Lewis Wallace

Lewis Wallace
Lewis Wallace (1827–1905) was an American lawyer, soldier, diplomat, and author, best known for his historical novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" (1880), which became one of the best-selling books of the 19th century. Wallace had a diverse career, serving as a Union general during the American Civil War and later as the governor of the New Mexico Territory. In addition to "Ben-Hur," he also wrote other novels, such as "The Fair God" (1873) and "The Prince of India" (1893). His writing was heavily influenced by his deep interest in history and religion, and "Ben-Hur" remains his most enduring legacy, inspiring numerous adaptations for film and stage.

Author's Books:


CHAPTER I The Jebel es Zubleh is a mountain fifty miles and more in length, and so narrow that its tracery on the map gives it a likeness to a caterpillar crawling from the south to the north. Standing on its red-and-white cliffs, and looking off under the path of the rising sun, one sees only the Desert of Arabia, where the east winds, so hateful to vinegrowers of Jericho, have kept their playgrounds... more...

The sun shone clear and hot, and the guests in the garden were glad to rest in the shaded places of promenade along the brooksides and under the beeches and soaring pines of the avenues. Far up the extended hollow there was a basin first to receive the water from the conduit supposed to tap the aqueduct leading down from the forest of Belgrade. The noise of the little cataract there was strong enough... more...

CHAPTER I. THE NAMELESS BAY In the noon of a September day in the year of our dear Lord 1395, a merchant vessel nodded sleepily upon the gentle swells of warm water flowing in upon the Syrian coast. A modern seafarer, looking from the deck of one of the Messagerie steamers now plying the same line of trade, would regard her curiously, thankful to the calm which held her while he slaked his wonder, yet... more...