Owen Wister
Owen Wister was an American writer and historian, best known for his contributions to Western fiction. His most famous work, 'The Virginian', published in 1902, is often regarded as the first cowboy novel. It played a significant role in shaping the myth of the American West and established many of the themes and tropes that are characteristic of Western genre literature. Wister's writings reflect his fascination with the culture, landscape, and people of the American West, and he is credited with helping to popularize the Western genre.
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.
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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 1924th Greatest Book of All Time
