Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is a historical novel by American author Lew Wallace, published in 1880. It is considered "the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century". The novel tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed by his Roman friend Messala and becomes a slave, a charioteer, and a follower of Jesus Christ. The novel is divided into eight books, each with its own subplots and themes. The novel has been adapted into several films, the most famous being the 1959 version starring Charlton Heston, which won 11 Academy Awards . The novel explores themes such as revenge, redemption, faith, and love.