Lew Wallace: Collected Works

Book excerpt: This unique and meticulously edited collection of Lew Wallace's greatest works includes: "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" describes the adventures of Judah Ben-Hur, Jewish prince from Jerusalem who gets enslaved by the Romans. He is taken to Rome where he becomes a charioteer and a Christian. Running in parallel with Judah's narrative is the unfolding story of Jesus, who comes from the same region and is a similar age._x000D_ "The Fair God: The Last of the 'Tzins" is a magnificent tale of the conflict between the Spanish Conquistadors and the Aztecs. The Cortez's conquest of Mexico is a central theme and the novel gives an account of the descent of the Aztec Empire._x000D_ "The Prince of India: Why Constantinople Fell" is a tale of the Fall of Byzantine Empire, seen through the eyes of Indian Prince in service of the Turkish Sultan._x000D_ "The Wooing of Malkatoon" is a narrative poem about young Othman who explores secrets of love and women._x000D_ "Commodus" is a historical play about the Roman Emperor Commodus and Maternus, soldier of a daring boldness, who collected bands of robbers into a little army in order to murder Commodus and to ascend the vacant throne._x000D_