# Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

> 1880 novel by Lewis Wallace

**Wikidata**: [Q816528](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q816528)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben-Hur:_A_Tale_of_the_Christ)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ben-hur-a-tale-of-the-christ

## Summary
*Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ* is an 1880 novel by Lewis Wallace, a prominent American author, lawyer, and Union general during the American Civil War. The work is classified as a literary work and falls under the genres of fiction and historical fiction, set in the past. It was published by Harper, an American publishing company, and is notable for its exploration of themes related to Christianity and historical events.

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Lewis Wallace (1827–1905), an American lawyer, military officer, and statesman.
- **Publication Date**: November 12, 1880.
- **Publisher**: Harper, an American publishing company founded in 1817.
- **Genre**: Fiction, historical fiction, and historical novel.
- **Setting**: The novel is set in the past, reflecting the historical fiction genre.
- **Country of Origin**: United States, where Lewis Wallace was born and active.
- **Classification**: Literary work, designed for enjoyment or edification.
- **Wikidata Description**: "1880 novel by Lewis Wallace."

## FAQs
**What is the genre of *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*?**
The novel is classified as fiction and historical fiction, with a specific focus on historical events and themes related to Christianity.

**Who published *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*?**
Harper, an American publishing company established in 1817, published the novel.

**Where is the novel set?**
The novel is set in the past, aligning with the historical fiction genre.

**Who is the author of *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*?**
The author is Lewis Wallace, an American lawyer, military officer, and statesman.

**What is the significance of *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*?**
The novel is notable for its exploration of historical events and themes related to Christianity, contributing to the historical fiction genre.

## Why It Matters
*Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ* holds historical and literary significance as a work that blends fiction with historical events, particularly those related to Christianity. Published during a period of significant cultural and religious discourse, the novel reflects the author’s perspective on historical themes and his role as a prominent figure in American society. Its classification as a literary work designed for enjoyment or edification underscores its role in shaping public discourse and literary traditions.

## Notable For
- Being a foundational work in the historical fiction genre.
- Exploring themes related to Christianity and historical events.
- Published by Harper, a long-established American publishing company.
- Authored by Lewis Wallace, a multifaceted American figure known for his legal, military, and literary contributions.

## Body
### Overview
*Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ* is a novel written by Lewis Wallace and published on November 12, 1880, by Harper, an American publishing company. The work is classified as a literary work and falls under the genres of fiction and historical fiction, with a specific focus on historical events and themes related to Christianity.

### Author and Background
Lewis Wallace, the author, was an American lawyer, Union general during the American Civil War, territorial governor, statesman, and politician. He was born in 1827 and died in 1905, making significant contributions to American society through his legal, military, and literary works.

### Publication and Genre
The novel was published by Harper, a publishing company founded in 1817. It is classified as a literary work designed for enjoyment or edification and is part of the fiction and historical fiction genres. The historical fiction genre emphasizes stories set in the past, which aligns with the themes and events explored in *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*.

### Historical Context
The novel is set in the past, reflecting the historical fiction genre’s focus on historical events and themes. It explores themes related to Christianity, contributing to the broader discourse on religious and cultural narratives of the time.

### Significance
*Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ* is notable for its exploration of historical events and themes related to Christianity, making it a significant work in the historical fiction genre. Its publication by Harper and authorship by Lewis Wallace further underscore its cultural and literary importance.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. [Source](https://www.worldcat.org/title/ben-hur-a-tale-of-the-christ/oclc/5533983&referer=brief_results)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File