“Book I. describes the meeting of the Magi in the desert – Their visit to Jerusalem – The arrival of Joseph and Mary at the inn – The surprise and joy of the shepherds – The Magi in the presence of the Christ. In Book II. we are introduced to Ben Hur, the wealthy descendent of a noble family – Watching the arrival of the Procurator, he accidently dislodges a tile which falls on the Roman – He is seized and sent to the galleys – His house confiscated – His mother and sister removed he knows not where – After three years’ service he saves the life of the tribune Artius, who adopts him,, and makes him his heir – We next find him at Antioch, where Simonides, his late father's manager, resides – Ben Hur tells his story, which is apparently, but not actually, doubted – He wanders to the grove of Daphne, and there sees his ancient enemy, Messala – Messala is a great charioteer, a wealthy Roman – Ben Hur determines to humiliate him, by beating him in the coming chariot race – He gains the friendship of the Arab Ilderim, whose steeds he drives in the race – By this time Simonides has acknowledged him as his master, and supports him with his wealth and influence – In the race, after many exciting scenes, Ben Hur is victorious – His enemy maimed and ruined – Ben Hur's death is plotted, but he escapes – He next goes to Jerusalem to seek his mother and sister – there are no tidings – They had been shut up in a leper’s cell, and were discovered and released on the day of Ben Hur's return – As lepers they must flee to the caves – They see Ben Hur asleep on his own doorsteps – They hasten away because of their leprosy – Ben Hur seeks them in vain – At length they hear of Christ – He passes by – They are healed and restored to Ben Hur, etc. The Baptism of Christ – His Miracles – His Betrayal and Death – are graphically described, together with Ben Hur's connection with the incidents.”