Lew Wallace
Lewis "Lew" Wallace was an American lawyer, Union general in the American Civil War, governor of the New Mexico Territory, politician, diplomat, and author. Wallace is best known for his historical novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880), considered the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century.
Quick Facts
- Best known for his historical novel Ben-Hur (1880), which has been adapted for motion picture multiple times.
- Served as a Union general in the American Civil War.
- Appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory and later minister to the Ottoman Empire.
- Wrote five other historical novels, spanning religion and politics.
- Known as the "People's Author" for his brand of popular historical fiction.
Background
Wallace was born in 1827 in Brookville, Indiana. He studied law, served in the US Army in the Mexican and Civil Wars, and was a governor of the New Mexico Territory. His most significant role was as a Union general in the American Civil War. After the war, he served as a diplomat in the Ottoman Empire, and during that time he wrote his most famous novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which was published in 1880. The book became a best seller, and has been developed into successful stage and film productions. He also wrote other novels and played an important role in the economic development of his home state Indiana. He died in 1905.
Writing Style and Impact
Wallace's writing style is characterized by detailed descriptive passages, and his careful attention to accuracy in historical details. His work combines adventure, romance, and religious themes. Wallace's most famous novel, "Ben-Hur," has been credited with popularizing biblical and historical fiction and has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture, being adapted multiple times for film and stage.
Notable Works
- Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880)
- The Fair God (1873)
- The Prince of India (1893)
- The Boyhood of Christ (1888)
- The Wooing of Malkatoon (1898)
- The First Christmas (1899)
- Commodus: An Historical Play (1899)