“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.
”“The well-known work by General Wallace. One of the most realistic and remarkable books ever issued. It instructs while the attention is enthralled.”
“A set of sixty-five slides, illustrative of the above, has been issued by Messrs Riley Bros., of Bradford. The pictures are of a unique character, and are the work of an artist in every sense of the word. The figures have evidently been photographed against a plain white background, and on a print from this has been artistically sketched the surrounding scenery. This has been done in such a high-class manner that one would be inclined to think they were photographed from Nature. Although many of the subjects are from life models, those that are not are practically just as good. In the catalogue of this set, Messrs Riley have made a most welcome addition to catalogues in general, for they have reproduced the whole of the slides in miniature (half tones), so that one sees exactly the kind of subjects before placing the order. This illustrated catalogue is issued at one penny.
”Record created by Richard Crangle. Last updated 2 January 2022
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