Ben-Hur : A Tale of the Christ
New York: Harper & Brothers, [1884]. Early printing. Publisher's full brown cloth, spine title stamped in gilt. Small octavo. 552, 12 ads. 6.75" x 5" Light wear corners and tips, central gutter starting but holding firm, very good. Overall tight and square. Item #244333
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 four years after the first edition.
[BAL 20798].
Price: $425.00