Ben-Hur: : A Tale of the Christ. This item is unavailable.Ben-Hur: : A Tale of the Christ

Small octavo. 560 pp. 6.75" x 4.5" PENNED IN PURPLE INK Perhaps the most influential nineteenth-century Christian novel published in America, Ben-Hur reflects Lew Wallace's own religious dedication and diplomatic temperament. Hesitantly received due to controversy around having Christ as a main character, the public quickly embraced Wallace's tale as a bold experiment that remained faithful to his religious intentions. Wallace famously penned his manuscript in purple ink in honor of Lent, with it presented here as an early printing, released just seven years after the first edition. [BAL 20798]. Moderate wear to corners and tips, hinges cracked with rear hinge holding, owner name to ffep, tear to rear binders blank, still very good copy. Full green morocco, ruled with spine stamped in gilt, dentelles stamped in gilt, marbled endpapers.