The Virginian, a Horseman of the Plains
- Authors
- Wister, Owen
- Publisher
- Golden Classics
- Tags
- romance , classics , western stories , cattle stealing -- fiction , cowboys -- fiction , vigilantes -- fiction , wyoming -- fiction , adventure
- ISBN
- 9780743238021
- Date
- 1902-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
- Size
- 0.35 MB
- Lang
- en
How is this book unique?
Original Unabridged Edition
Tablet and e-reader formatted
Short Biography is also included
15 Illustrations are included
One of the best books to read
Best fiction books of all time
Bestselling Novel
Classic historical fiction books
The Virginian (otherwise titled The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains) is a 1902 novel set in the Wild West by the American author Owen Wister. It describes the life of a cowboy on a cattle ranch in Wyoming and was the first true western ever written, aside from short stories and pulp dime novels. The Virginian paved the way for many more westerns by such authors as Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour, and several others.The Virginian is a ranch hand at the Sunk Creek Ranch, located outside of Medicine Bow, Wyoming. His nickname is Jeff and he is always referred to as the Virginian. He is described as a tall, dark, slim young giant, with a deep personality. At first, he is only a cowboy, but halfway through the book, he is signed on as the full-time foreman. He is the Judge's most trusted worker. Several times throughout the book, he is offered the chance to run down his enemy, Trampas, behind his back, but each time he refuses the temptation. It is made clear that he will not use his official position as foreman to crush any of his employees. One of the main plots is the Virginian's ongoing romance with the newly appointed schoolmarm of Medicine Bow, Miss Molly Stark Wood. Being from the East, she is not used to the wild West, and the Virginian is a perfect gentleman to her, intending to make her "love him before we get through."