What American novel was the all-time bestseller in sales in the 19th century?

“Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ” (1880), the Lew Wallace’s knock-out novel, was to become known as “the most influential Christian book of the 19th century”. It was the American novel that had the most sales of any book during the 19th century. Also as a major motion picture, it won 11 Academy Awards in 1960 for its film adaptation.

This was first fictional book to be blessed by a Pope (Leo XIII). it recounts the story of fictional Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur, enslaved by Roman rulers. Vowing revenge on the Romans, Judah becomes a charioteer and Christian. He does all these things while living in Jerusalem when Jesus Christ is emerging as a teacher and preacher of the love of God. Overall, this novel reflects themes of betrayal, conviction, and redemption. It has a revenge plot that in the end leads to people finding love and compassion.

"Ben-Hur" remained on top as the U.S. all-time bestseller in sales until the publication of Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind" (1936).

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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43 Comments

Julia Belinda Reid

This is debatable. Some sources state that "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was the best-selling novel of the 19th century.

bobpercefull

ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA, UNCLE TOM'S CABIN WAS THE BEST SELLER OF 19TH CENTURY.

Bob Meracle

Uncle Tom's Cabin was the best selling novel of the 19th century and second best selling book following the Bible. No mention of Ben-Hur.

Vaden Paulsen

wrong answer

Joss Coverdale

Wrong answer based on the parameters of the question (in the 19th century). The answer is Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Gerald Fife

Perhaps the question should have been "top seller in the USA"

dnewcomer

Does anybody verify these answers before the questions are posted?

scottlarock

first impulse is "Uncle Tom's Cabin", and it was the top seller...for a while..."Ben Hur" surpassed it in the end...

ron shields

Meant fiction. The bible is non fiction sorry. Real tired

ron shields

troyboydston, the bible is not a novel. A novel is non fiction.

Albeck1994

dnewcomer, not really anymore. As quiz club just gets sarcastic and nasty if you try

blkstang

I read on wikipedia that Ben-Hur did surpass Uncle Tom's Cabin

Brian Pearce

Ben Hur was released in the 20th century!

Carroll Price

North of the Mason Dixon Line it probably was.

Joseph A. Robitaille

I thought it was Uncle Tom's Cabin,I looked it up and still says That it was Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Bob Marquardt

wrong answer

Stoic Kitty

I knew it was Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ.

Jas Newman

I expect the trouble with this question was the phrase ". . . sales in the 19th century." Ben Hur topped the list till Gone with the Wind; however, many of those sales would have been in the 20th century. Given the wording of the question, I think Uncle Tom's Cabin should be accepted as correct.