The Story of the Making of Ben-Hur Book Value Guide

Ben Hur Programme | eBay
Estimated Value
$25 – $35
Period
1959
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, ink, cardboard
Category
Ben-hur

This 1959 publication serves as a definitive historical record of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's monumental effort to adapt Lew Wallace's 1880 novel for the screen. It is highly collectible for its detailed documentation of the groundbreaking cinematic techniques and massive production scale that defined Charlton Heston's most famous role.

What Is The Story of the Making of Ben-Hur Book Worth?

The typical price range for The Story of the Making of Ben-Hur Book is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Physical condition of the spine and the presence of any foxing or yellowing on the internal pages.
  • Completeness of the book, including any original inserts or promotional materials that may have been included.
  • Market demand for 1950s Hollywood memorabilia and ephemera related to Academy Award-winning epics.
  • The presence of any unique provenance or signatures from the cast or production crew involved in the 1959 film.

How to Identify The Story of the Making of Ben-Hur Book?

  • Verify the 1959 copyright date and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) branding on the title page.
  • Check for high-quality color and black-and-white lithographs depicting the film's production and chariot race sequences.
  • Ensure the cover features the iconic Ben-Hur title typography used in the original theatrical promotion.
  • Confirm the materials are period-accurate paper and cardboard consistent with mid-century American publishing.

History of The Story of the Making of Ben-Hur Book

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, originally a novel by Lew Wallace published in 1880, became a cultural phenomenon. Its most famous adaptation is the 1959 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, starring Charlton Heston. This book serves as a fascinating historical record, capturing the immense undertaking and groundbreaking cinematic techniques used to bring the biblical epic to life on the big screen, often considered one of Hollywood's greatest achievements.

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