The Virginian, a Horseman of the Plains - Owen Wister

The Virginian, a Horseman of the Plains

By Owen Wister

  • Release Date: 2012-06-19
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 214 Ratings
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Description

The Virginian (otherwise titled The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains) is a pioneering 1902 novel set in the Wild West by the American author Owen Wister. Describing the life of a cowboy on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, it was the first true western written, aside from short stories and pulp dime novels. It paved the way for many more westerns by famous authors such as Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour, and several others.

Reviews

  • Remarkable book

    5
    By Sisaacks
    Never knew it was such a wonderful book. Written so beautifully and guess what? High Noon the movie came from here you betcha!

  • Wonderful Story

    5
    By burned55 trader
    One of the best, most engaging books I have ever read. Picturesque descriptions of characters, places, and actions draw you into the story in a way few books can match.

  • The Virginian

    5
    By Knightsbane
    Enjoyed every page. Written with wit and enthusiasm. Wish all authors were able to engage their audience with such wonder and still maintain focus on the plot. Recreated the old west in a way I’d like to experience it, and I don’t like camping. Caught me by surprise and lifted my spirits.

  • The Virginian

    5
    By Fred from Seattle
    all I had expected. The unfolding of this story shows the hand of a master,

  • The Virginian,Horseman of the Plains

    5
    By Chief (USN, ret)
    In the last several months I've read dozens of America's best westerns. This was among the best of the best. DCM

  • Adult western classic well worth the read

    5
    By gnordt
    I read this book 45 years ago when I was 15 and thought it very slow moving and just ok. Reading it a second tome with 60 years of life experiences made me realize what a classic book this is. Some may find it slow moving, but certain portions and passages that I could not appreciate at 15 make this a heartwarming read now. Not the usual western novel fare, but well worth the read. For a sense of comparison by way of a movie, think of The Big Country as opposed to the average western movie.

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