Linking Real-Life Outlaw Billy the Kid with the Fabled Character Ben-Hur

Intertwined in the annals of American history and literature are two figures that capture the imaginations of scholars and enthusiasts alike: Billy the Kid, the notorious outlaw who defied authority, and the legendary character Ben-Hur from Ben-Hur, a narrative that has resonated with readers for generations. This connection is more profound than meets the eye, particularly given the involvement of two key figures: Lew Wallace and Gore Vidal. Let's explore this fascinating link.

George Cary Eggleston and the End of an Era

The story of Billy the Kid begins with George Cary Eggleston, a man seemingly connected to the outlaw through writing. Eggleston published a piece about Billy the Kid in 1878. However, it was another author, Lew Wallace, who would create a more enduring and influential work, fusing the outsized legend of the American West with the broader canvas of human history.

Lew Wallace and Ben-Hur

Renowned for his lengthy career as a governor of New Mexico, Wallace was also a prolific writer known for his historical novels. In 1880, he published his novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, which became an international bestseller. The story of Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who returns to Jerusalem to avenge his father, is steeped in the grandeur and oppression of ancient times.

The Governor of New Mexico and a Sideways Pardon

During his governorship of New Mexico, Wallace had a unique encounter with outlaw Billy the Kid. In the early 1880s, Wallace extended a sort of "sideways pardon" to Billy the Kid, encouraging the young man to turn himself in. The governor offered this incentive with a twist of irony. Upon setting into words a pardon that was never intended to be taken at face value, Wallace observed, "Boy, I never said that."

The Legacy of Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ went on to become one of the most celebrated and enduring works of literature. It was later adapted into an epic film in 1959, starring Charlton Heston, which further cemented its place in popular culture. The novel's themes of personal revenge, political oppression, and the complexities of faith continue to resonate with readers and viewers.

Gore Vidal and the Connection Resurfaced

More than a century after Wallace wrote Ben-Hur, the connection between these two figures was resurfaced by another literary luminary, Gore Vidal. In 1989, Vidal wrote the screenplay for the film Billy the Kid. This screenplay explored the life and legend of Billy the Kid from a writer's perspective. Vidal's involvement links the grand narrative of Ben-Hur with the gritty realities of the American frontier, bridging the gap between ancient and modern storytelling.

Conclusion

The connection between real-life outlaw Billy the Kid and the fictional character Ben-Hur is a rich tapestry woven through the works of Lew Wallace and Gore Vidal. Through their writings, these figures continue to inspire and engage audiences, drawing us into a world where history, literature, and the human spirit intersect. This connection not only highlights the enduring power of storytelling but also illustrates the unifying themes that cross time and space.