The Virginian by Owen Wister
A Horseman of the Plains
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 4592nd greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1902
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 229
- Words
- 110,000
- Original Language
- English
- Alternate Titles
- None
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following 6 lists:
- 8th on Choosing the Century's(20th) Favorite Books(1924) (The Literary Digest)
- 46th on 100 Best Western(United States) Works of Fiction (San Francisco Chronicle)
- 404th on The Complete 500: OCLC (OCLC)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- One Hundred Best American Novels, 1770 to 1985 (The American Scholar)
- The Great Books Podcast from John J. Miller (The National Review )