Owen Wister

Owen Wister was an American writer and historian, best known for his novel 'The Virginian,' which is considered the first true Western novel. He was a friend of President Theodore Roosevelt and a member of the literary elite of his time.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Virginian

    This classic novel, set in the late 19th century American West, tells the story of a nameless cowboy known only as the Virginian. Working on a Wyoming ranch, he embodies the ideals of the western hero—brave, honorable, and skilled in the ways of the frontier. The narrative follows his adventures, his romance with the spirited schoolteacher Molly Wood, and his encounters with cattle rustlers and other outlaws. Through his journey, the book explores themes of justice, love, and the clash between the untamed wilderness and the encroaching rules of civilization, offering a nuanced portrayal of the American West during a time of transformation.

    The 1944th Greatest Book of All Time