Historical · Classics
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Bestseller: about 26 million copies (estimate)A Jewish nobleman in Roman-ruled Judea is falsely condemned to the galleys after a childhood friend, now a Roman officer, betrays him. He survives and returns, seeking revenge, as another figure's story unfolds alongside his own.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1880
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Long
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like a 19th-century adventure with sea battles, a famous chariot race and a religious thread.
Skip this if you dislike old-fashioned style or a novel with overtly Christian themes.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
- What is Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ about?
- A Jewish nobleman in Roman-ruled Judea is falsely condemned to the galleys after a childhood friend, now a Roman officer, betrays him. He survives and returns, seeking revenge, as another figure's story unfolds alongside his own.
- Who should read Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ?
- Read it if you like a 19th-century adventure with sea battles, a famous chariot race and a religious thread. Skip it if you dislike old-fashioned style or a novel with overtly Christian themes.
- How long and how fast is Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ?
- It is a slow-paced, long read, first published in 1880.
- Does Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Slavery, Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Count of Monte Cristo, Shōgun, The Red Tent.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
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The Count of Monte Cristo
Another tale of a man wrongly condemned who returns for justice, with a brisker, wittier plot.
-
Shōgun
Another large-scale historical adventure about an outsider dropped into a foreign power struggle.
-
The Red Tent
A different take on ancient history, told closely from a woman's view.
Historical
