The Virginian is a classic Western novel written by Owen Wister and first published in 1902. Set in Wyoming in the late 1800s, the novel follows the story of an unnamed cowboy, known only as the Virginian, who works on a ranch and becomes involved in a range war between cattle ranchers and sheepherders.The novel is written in the first person, with the Virginian serving as the narrator. Through his eyes, the reader is introduced to a cast of colorful characters, including his best friend, Steve, and his love interest, Molly ...
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The Virginian is a classic Western novel written by Owen Wister and first published in 1902. Set in Wyoming in the late 1800s, the novel follows the story of an unnamed cowboy, known only as the Virginian, who works on a ranch and becomes involved in a range war between cattle ranchers and sheepherders.The novel is written in the first person, with the Virginian serving as the narrator. Through his eyes, the reader is introduced to a cast of colorful characters, including his best friend, Steve, and his love interest, Molly Starkwood. The novel explores themes such as honor, loyalty, justice, and the struggle between civilization and the frontier.The Virginian is known for its vivid descriptions of the American West, its memorable characters, and its realistic portrayal of cowboy life. The novel has been adapted into numerous films and television shows, and it remains a beloved classic of Western literature.This Is A New Release Of The Original 1902 Edition.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
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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.