Ben-Hur: An Epic Tale of Revenge and Redemption

by Dirk Maggs (Adapter), Paul Deeley (Adapter), Lew Wallace

An unforgettable account of betrayal, revenge, redemption, Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's production of Ben-Hur tells the tale of a nobleman who fell from Roman favor and was sentenced to live as a slave--all at the hands of his childhood friend, Messala. Once nearly brothers, any hope of reconciliation is dashed after Messala is seriously injured during a vicious chariot race won by the vindictive Ben-Hur. But what makes this adaptation of Lew Wallace's best-selling story unforgettable is the changed man Ben-Hur becomes after seeing Christ on the cross.
Recorded in London with film-style sound, this action-packed production shares that compassion is the true path to redemption.

Genres: Classics, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

150 pages, Audio CD

Published July 1, 2007

About the author

Dirk Maggs, a freelance writer and director working across all media, is principally known for his work in radio, where he evolved radio drama into "Audio Movies," a near-visual approach combining scripts, layered sound effects, cinematic music and cutting edge technology. He pioneered the use of Dolby Surround in BBC Radio. He was among the first nominees for the Directors Guild of Great Britain Outstanding Achievement in Radio Award, and in 2005 he was invited to become one of the first Honorary Fellows of the University of Winchester for his work in the dramatic arts.

From 2003 to 2005, Maggs produced new episodes of Douglas Adams' science fiction comedy series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, adapted from the novels based on the original radio series that Adams wrote. The books that Maggs adapted were written after the radio series ended its original run.

He co-founded Perfectly Normal Productions Ltd (PNP) with Paul Weir and Richard Adams to create compelling high quality popular audio drama in serialized form for delivery to personal digital players and cell phones.

Early in his career Dirk became known for directing adaptations of comic book storylines. He started in 1988 with the 50th Anniversary Man Of Steel docudrama Superman on Trial, carried on with a 50th birthday tribute to the Dark Knight: Batman: The Lazarus Syndrome. This was followed by The Adventures Of Superman, Batman: Knightfall, The Amazing Spider-Man and his final BBC Radio superhero series, Judge Dredd in 1995. Along the way his production of Superman: Doomsday and Beyond ("Superman Lives" in the USA) won the 1994 Audie Award for Best Dramatisation from the American Booksellers Association and Spoken Word Audio of The Year from Publishers Weekly.

Reviews

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the focus on the family drama of this. Honestly, I wasn't super impressed. I think it must have lost something in being shortened this much. I did feel the pain at the chariot race, but otherwise, it was not super moving. Overall The Robe was a much better book in a comparable genre.

[Juliette Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully portrayed rendition of a classic story, but still sticking very closely to the original narrative! The characters are shown with depth and personality beyond other audio dramas I’ve heard.

[Jaguar · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ben-Hur: An Epic Tale of Revenge and Redemption” by Lew Wallace is a really good book. I listen to the dramatized audio by Focus on the Family’s Radio Theater. It was a very entertaining read and has a great message. If you are a family looking for really good audio books, check out Focus on the Family’s Radio Theater’s audios. They are all really REALLY GOOD.

2015-Summer-Reading-Review

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio adaption had many more details than the movie (which I want to watch again after many years). However, I find that it is missing hours of the original book! I am going to have to find a copy to read at some point.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent audio adaptation. Much more than a book on audio. Recommended.

[Dionne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazingly, somehow I had never read Ben-hur yet so I really enjoyed this. All of Focus on the Family's Radio Theatres are great.

[Rachel L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better FOTF audio dramas, as far as quality and story line goes.