1880 first edition ben-hur book

BEN-HUR a tale of THE CHRIST New York: Harper and Brothers, [1880]. First Edition with 11 word dedication. It is a classic and timeless work. “Lew Wallace said that "he wrote Ben-Hur as a way to sort out his own beliefs about God and Christ". In doing so, he inspired many readers by combining romanticism and spiritual piety common in sentimental novels of the 19th century with the action and adventure found in the more popular stories of this Era. It prompted many clergy to reverse their church's long-held opposition to novels and actually encouraged their congregations to read Ben-Hur. As a result it became one of the best selling novels of its time. Publisher: Harper & Brothers, New York Publication Date: 1880 Binding: Hardcover Edition: 1st Edition