Lew Wallace is best known for his historical adventure novels, especially *Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ*. This book is not just a historical story; it’s also filled with chariot races, sea battles, and a journey of faith.
If you enjoy books with a similar blend of history and adventure, here are some authors you might find interesting.
If you enjoy Lew Wallace, you might also appreciate the historical novels of Henryk Sienkiewicz. Sienkiewicz is best known for his powerful storytelling and historical accuracy, particularly in “Quo Vadis.”
This novel takes readers back to ancient Rome during Emperor Nero’s reign. The story revolves around the forbidden love between a young Roman patrician named Marcus Vinicius and a Christian beauty named Ligia.
Through their eyes, we witness the drama and danger faced by early Christians under Nero’s brutal persecution. Scenes of the imperial court, arena battles, secret meetings, and moral struggles between loyalty and faith fill the story, bringing ancient Rome vividly to life.
Sienkiewicz combines adventure, romance, and historical depth in a way readers of “Ben-Hur” will find familiar and satisfying.
Readers who appreciate Lew Wallace’s rich storytelling and vivid historical narratives might find Charles Dickens equally enjoyable. Dickens is well-known for his detailed characters, atmospheric settings, and exploration of social issues.
His novel “A Tale of Two Cities” is set during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. The story follows the intertwined lives of Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay, two men who look remarkably alike but whose lives take vastly different paths.
Dickens portrays the harsh realities of revolution, sacrifice, love, and redemption through memorable characters like the kind-hearted Lucie Manette and the vengeful Madame Defarge.
The dramatic depiction of the guillotine’s shadow looming over Paris makes for powerful reading—especially for readers fascinated by history depicted in human terms.
Readers who enjoyed Lew Wallace’s “Ben-Hur” might also appreciate Walter Scott, a key figure in historical fiction known for his richly detailed storytelling and vivid portrayal of medieval characters.
In “Ivanhoe,” one of his classics, Scott transports readers to 12th-century England during the time of King Richard the Lionheart.
The book follows Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon noble returning from the Crusades, who becomes entangled in adventure, romance, and rivalry at a tournament hosted by Prince John.
Ivanhoe must navigate the conflicts between Normans and Saxons, loyalty to his king, and his feelings for the beautiful and spirited Lady Rowena.
Through jousting tournaments, daring rescues, and secret identities, “Ivanhoe” weaves a memorable tale filled with chivalry, bravery, and romance.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace might also appreciate Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne’s writing often explores themes of morality, sin, and redemption through vivid storytelling and rich historical settings.
His classic novel, “The Scarlet Letter,” is set in a strict Puritan community in 17th-century New England. It follows Hester Prynne, a woman condemned by her neighbors for bearing an illegitimate child.
Forced to wear a scarlet “A” upon her dress, Hester navigates shame, judgment, and isolation, even as she maintains her strength and independence.
Hawthorne captures the tension between personal freedom and societal expectations, making the novel resonate deeply with readers who appreciate thoughtful historical fiction.
If you enjoy Lew Wallace’s vivid storytelling and strong historical themes, Victor Hugo is another author worth exploring. Hugo was a French writer with deep insight into social issues and compelling characters.
His novel “Les Misérables” takes place in post-revolutionary France. It focuses on the struggles and redemption of Jean Valjean, a former convict pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert across decades.
The story intertwines the lives of various characters from different walks of life—students, revolutionaries, and ordinary citizens—in a powerful exploration of justice, forgiveness, and human dignity.
Hugo’s ability to portray complex emotions and moral dilemmas makes “Les Misérables” a memorable read for anyone drawn to stories that reflect human resilience against challenging historical backdrops.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace might also appreciate Harriet Beecher Stowe, an American author known for powerful storytelling and memorable characters.
Stowe’s novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” follows the lives of individuals caught in the harsh realities of slavery in 19th-century America. The story brings to life Uncle Tom, a kind and devout enslaved man, and Eliza, a courageous mother determined to protect her child.
It vividly portrays their struggles for freedom and dignity amid cruelty and oppression. This emotional tale had a significant impact on its readers upon publication, highlighting the human cost of slavery and influencing public opinion.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton was a popular English author from the 19th century who wrote vivid historical and adventure novels packed with drama and action. Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s “Ben-Hur” may find Bulwer-Lytton’s “The Last Days of Pompeii” especially appealing.
This novel vividly recreates the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and the dramatic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The story follows Glaucus, a noble Greek, as he navigates romance, betrayal, and conflict in Pompeii’s final days.
Bulwer-Lytton populates this ancient world with fascinating characters—from scheming priests and wealthy merchants to brave gladiators. The novel portrays the struggle of individuals caught between personal ambitions and the irresistible forces of nature and destiny.
If you enjoy Lew Wallace’s vivid historical settings and adventurous storytelling, you might appreciate author James Fenimore Cooper. Cooper is best known for his novel “The Last of the Mohicans,” a classic tale set during the French and Indian War.
The story follows Hawkeye, a brave and resourceful frontiersman, along with his Mohican companions Chingachgook and Uncas. Together, they risk their lives to protect two sisters traveling through dangerous wilderness filled with battles, heroism, and compelling friendships.
Cooper’s skillful blend of historical detail and action-packed adventure is one fans of Wallace’s work are likely to find appealing.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace might also appreciate the work of Alexandre Dumas. Known for exciting storytelling and historical adventure, Dumas brings vibrant characters and vivid settings to life in his novels.
In “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Edmond Dantès faces betrayal and wrongful imprisonment. After escaping from prison, Dantès returns under a new identity and methodically seeks revenge on those who betrayed him.
The novel explores themes of justice, revenge, and redemption through gripping adventures, fascinating plots, and memorable characters. Dumas crafts a richly detailed world full of suspense and surprises, making it an engaging read from start to finish.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s careful attention to historical detail and complex human characters might find Elizabeth Gaskell appealing.
In her novel “North and South,” Gaskell portrays Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from rural southern England to the harsh industrial city in the north. Margaret faces new struggles as she tries to reconcile her own values with the stark reality of factory life.
Gaskell vividly illustrates the contrast between workers and their employers, focusing on social tension, personal conflicts, and a subtle romance between Margaret and the stern factory owner, John Thornton.
This thoughtful exploration of class divisions and moral choices offers readers a compelling story with rich, believable characters.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s evocative storytelling may also appreciate George Eliot, an author known for insightful explorations of human nature and society.
Her novel “Silas Marner” follows a solitary weaver named Silas, whose quiet and isolated life revolves around counting and guarding his gold. But when Silas unexpectedly discovers an abandoned child near his home, his solitary existence takes an emotional turn.
This small event sparks a profound change—and Silas slowly learns the importance of love, trust, and community. Eliot beautifully reveals how seemingly small moments hold the power to transform an entire life.
Books by Thomas Hardy often explore dramatic human emotions and moral conflicts set against the backdrop of Victorian England. If you’ve enjoyed Lew Wallace’s vivid storytelling and deep character portrayals, you might appreciate Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles.”
Tess is a young woman from rural England whose life becomes complicated after a chance meeting with a wealthy noble family. She faces impossible choices as society harshly judges her every step.
Hardy realistically portrays Tess’s struggle within a world divided by strict tradition and class prejudice. Hardy’s thoughtful storytelling creates a deep emotional connection with readers.
Readers who enjoy the detailed storytelling and vivid characters of Lew Wallace might appreciate Anthony Trollope.
Trollope was an English novelist known for creating realistic stories filled with engaging characters, social commentary, and clever observations of Victorian society.
In his book “The Way We Live Now,” Trollope portrays the greed, ambition, and scandals of London’s high society through the rise of the mysterious financier Augustus Melmotte.
With sharp humor and insight, Trollope shows how wealth and influence can shape people’s destinies—for better or worse. This novel offers a captivating look at human behavior, morality, and society, which fans of Lew Wallace will likely find appealing.
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish author famous for his adventure stories and vivid characters. His book “Treasure Island” tells the story of young Jim Hawkins, who discovers a secret pirate map and sets sail to find buried treasure.
But Jim soon learns the voyage is full of secret schemes, betrayal, and dangerous pirates such as the ruthless Long John Silver.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace’s blend of strong storytelling and historical settings may appreciate Stevenson’s classic adventure tale filled with excitement, tension, and memorable twists.
Readers who enjoy Lew Wallace might also appreciate Alfred Lord Tennyson, a poet known for vivid storytelling and memorable characters. One of his most notable works is “Idylls of the King,” a richly detailed retelling of the legends of King Arthur and his knights.
Tennyson captures a sense of nobility and tragedy as he portrays King Arthur striving to build a kingdom founded on honor and chivalry, yet challenged constantly by betrayal and human weakness.
Characters like noble Sir Galahad and conflicted Sir Lancelot come alive through Tennyson’s poetic imagery.
For anyone fascinated by heroic sagas with strong moral themes and legendary characters, Tennyson offers a literary experience reminiscent of Wallace’s grand, epic stories.