In this quintessential western novel, the foreman of a large cattle ranch on the Wyoming frontier lives by the honor code of the West, even though it means lynching a friend and possibly losing the woman he loves. Published in 1902, the book became hugely popular for decades, inspiring five movies and a long-running TV series (1962-1971). All the classic elements are here: the handsome cowboy hero; the pretty schoolmarm; the villain who must finally face justice at the end of a gun. In 1977, the Western Writers of America ...
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In this quintessential western novel, the foreman of a large cattle ranch on the Wyoming frontier lives by the honor code of the West, even though it means lynching a friend and possibly losing the woman he loves. Published in 1902, the book became hugely popular for decades, inspiring five movies and a long-running TV series (1962-1971). All the classic elements are here: the handsome cowboy hero; the pretty schoolmarm; the villain who must finally face justice at the end of a gun. In 1977, the Western Writers of America voted this the top western novel of all time. For anyone wondering how the myth of the western hero came into being, this is the book to read. Newly designed and typeset in a modern 6-by-9-inch format by Waking Lion Press.
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PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
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Good. Ships in a BOX from Central Missouri! May not include working access code. Will not include dust jacket. Has used sticker(s) and some writing or highlighting. UPS shipping for most packages, (Priority Mail for AK/HI/APO/PO Boxes).
Written in 1902, The Virginian is considered to be the first cowboy novel and the basis of the genre of Western movies and TV shows that remain popular to this day. Author Owen Wister (1860-1938) was from Philadelphia but made several trips out to the West in the 1880s and 1890s; his visit to Wyoming was the inspiration for the novel entitled The Virginian (much of the story takes place in Medicine Bow, Wyoming). The story develops the themes of toughness and rugged individualism typically connected with the West. The story includes various elements one associates with Western novels: cowboys, horses, trains, ranches, cattle rustlers, sagebrush, cottonwood trees, wide-open spaces, romance, and a gun battle. I will admit I was hoping for a little more action as I would see with James Drury (the Virginian), Doug McClure (Trampas), and Lee J. Cobb (the Judge) in the TV show of the same name as the novel; on the other hand, if one reads this book as a person from the East and living in the United States in the opening years of the twentieth century one can see the literary and historical significance of this book. I also liked how the author attempted to reconcile the various regions (East, West, New England, and the South) with characters representing the various sections of the United States. While at times a little slow, I did like this book and I feel as if I have viewed a way of life and a philosophy that seems to be fading away with each passing year.
ris227
May 31, 2015
Virginian
Bought this Classic book as a gift. Pleased with entire transaction.
Katherine B
May 19, 2011
great book
This is one of the great books on the west. It was written while Wister was in Winthrop, WA.