The Virginian

by Owen Wister
The Virginian cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Western
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Paperback • £8.99
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  • ID: 10301
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9788728384145
  • Publisher: Lindhardt og Ringhof
  • Published: 2022-12-13
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Virginian is a landmark novel that sets the template for the classic Western genre. The story follows the eponymous hero, a tall, strong, and silent cowboy, as he acts as an armed escort to Tenderfoot on their journey to Judge Henry’s ranch in Sunk Creek. Along the way, they encounter various adventures and a touch of romance, making this a thrilling read for fans of Westerns. /n/n Author Owen Wister, born in Philadelphia, drew inspiration from his travels to Wyoming to create this iconic tale. His experiences in the wilderness led to the creation of notes and journals that served as the basis for many of his books, including 'The Virginian,' which was later adapted into a TV series and films.

Reviews
Eclectic and Eccentric · Eclectic and Eccentric · 2021-02-12
classic 4.50

This book creates the archetype of the cowboy, blending toughness with good manners and a sense of duty. The story is a classic Western that captures the essence of the frontier spirit.

The reviewer praises the novel for creating the archetype of the cowboy, a character who is self-reliant, tough, and yet possesses good manners and a strong sense of duty. This blend of qualities makes the protagonist both relatable and inspiring. The story's exploration of the frontier spirit and the challenges of life in the American West is vividly portrayed, making it a classic in Western literature. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to capture the essence of the era and its characters.

Quick quotes

    The Virginian creates the archetype of the cowboy–a loner who is self-reliant, tough, but also has good manners and a sense of both duty and adventure.

    The story is a classic Western that captures the essence of the frontier spirit.

    The novel's ability to capture the essence of the era and its characters is commendable.

Cannonball Read · Cannonball Read · 2020-03-22
engaging 4.00

This novel portrays a man who upholds moral principles despite legal constraints, exploring themes of honor and duty. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the American West.

The reviewer highlights the novel's focus on a man who does what's right by the world, even if it's not right by the law. This exploration of morals shaped by larger things, not just legalities, makes the story compelling. They appreciate the depth of character and the vivid portrayal of the American West, which adds to the novel's richness. The story's themes of honor and duty resonate strongly, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It's a novel about a man's man who does what's right by the world even if it's not right by the law.

    About morals shaped by larger things, not just legalities.

    The story is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the American West.

NPR · NPR · 2007-09-17
profound 4.75

This novel helps appreciate honor, nature, and life, much like the Bible helps many better understand their faith. The story is rich in themes and characters that resonate deeply.

The reviewer draws a parallel between reading The Virginian and reading the Bible, highlighting how both help appreciate profound themes like honor, nature, and life. The novel's rich exploration of these themes makes it a significant piece of literature. The characters and their journeys are portrayed in a way that resonates deeply with readers, making the story both meaningful and impactful. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to convey these themes in a compelling narrative.

Quick quotes

    Reading The Virginian helps me better appreciate honor and nature and life and testosterone, in the same way the Bible helps so many better understand their faith.

    The story is rich in themes and characters that resonate deeply.

    The novel's ability to convey these themes in a compelling narrative is commendable.

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