Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
New York: Harper & Brothers, 1886.
Octavo. 552 [12] pp. Original undecorated dark brown cloth; gilt spine titles; shelf wear, scuffing, and minor fraying to spine ends and corners. Issued without dust jacket. Heavy age-toning throughout; title page displays notable dark staining and smudging to the lower margin.
An early printing of Lew Wallace's novel and pop-culture phenomenon of the late Victorian era. Set against the backdrops of Roman imperialism and Judean resistance, the story follows the epic journey of Judah Ben-Hur from wrongful enslavement as a Roman galley slave to his climactic vengeance in the Circus Maximus chariot races, culminating in his spiritual conversion after witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Features the amended 1884 dedication page text ("Who Still Abides With Me") indicating a later printing.
Price: $150.00