Ben-Hur

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

One of the most popular American novels of all time, Ben-Hur vividly reimagines the oppressive Roman occupation of ancient Palestine and the rise of Christianity. The saga of Judah Ben-Hur’s spiritual journey from slavery to vengeance to redemption is both a vivid historical adventure and a powerful story of one man’s religious awakening.

Born the son of a Jewish nobleman, Ben-Hur is condemned to a life of slavery when his former friend wrongly accuses him of attempting to kill a Roman official. While his mother and sister are imprisoned in a leper colony, Ben-Hur heroically escapes to challenge Massala’s domination in a chariot race. Before the cheering multitudes at the Roman Circus in Antioch, he achieves his revenge and glory. But it is later, at the foot of a cross on a hill in Jerusalem, that he fulfills his true destiny.

Critics Review

  • “This is a performance of sustained excellence—sustained across a range of characters and emotions, across time and geography. Male and female, young and old, the self-absorbed and the selfless, the worldly and the spiritual—all are within the compass of James’s command. His reading is at once evocative, moving, and entertaining.”

    AudioFile
  • “James’ voice is pleasant and respectful of the work. He reads carefully and allows the reader time to see it all.”

    Kliatt
  • “Compared with other romances…Ben-Hur easily passes them all, by a vitality which has a touch of genius.”

    Carl Van Doren, Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.