Showing results by author "Owen Wister" in All Categories

He is the Virginian-the first fully realized cowboy hero in American literature, a near-mythic figure whose idealized image has profoundly influenced our national consciousness. This enduring work of fiction marks the birth of a legend that lives with us still.

Owen Wister’s The Virginian pre-dates the classic novels of Zane Grey and Max Brand and is considered by many to be the original Western. Dedicated to Wister’s friend and fellow outdoorsman Theodore Roosevelt, this timeless tale almost single-handedly established the cowboy archetype in literature. A quiet, noble foreman of a Wyoming cattle ranch in the 1870s, the Virginian falls for pretty schoolteacher Molly Wood. But when a rival suitor challenges his honor, the Virginian struggles to make his beloved Molly understand the harsh justice of the West.

In this romantic and raw adventure set in the untamed wilderness of Wyoming of 1886, an anonymous college graduate ventures out west where he encounters gun fights, lynching, cattle rustlers, high-stake poker games, Indian attacks, and a brave, honest and imposing cowboy known simply as the Virginian. Presented as the archetypal, ideal hero of the "western" genre (which was novelized for the very first time in this same book), the Virginian, a foreman at Shiloh Ranch, carries a strong sense of justice.

"The Virginian's pistol came out, and his hand lay on the table, holding it unaimed. With a voice as gentle as ever, a voice that sounded almost like a caress, drawling a very little more than usual so that there was almost a space between each word he issued orders to the man Trampas: "When you call me that, smile!" And he looked at Trampas across the table. Yes, the voice was gentle. But in my ears it seemed as if somewhere the bell of death was ringing; and silence, like a stroke, fell on the large room."

A strong, silent stranger rides into the lawless lands of the western frontier, battles horse thieves, deals with unyielding scoundrels, and wins the heart of a schoolmarm. Owen Wister's 1902 classic---the first great novel of the American West---is rich in moral drama and vernacular wit. His hero---like knights of old---lives by an enduring code of chivalry and is governed by quiet courage and a deep sense of honor.

The most renowned American authors in Western fiction are brought together in one bang 'em-up, shoot-it-out collection! Including titles by Louis L'Amour, Brian Garfield, Marcia Muller, Bill Pronzini, Thomas Thompson, John M. Cunningham, Chad Oliver, Donald Hamilton, Loren D. Estleman and Owen Wister.

Written first as a series of stories in the late 19th century and published later as the quintessential Western novel in the early years of the 20th century, The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains by Owen Wister contains elements of breathtaking adventure, courage, grit, conflict, humor, and heartfelt emotions that continue to resonate in the 21st century.

The lure of the American West is in the spirit of adventure, in the majestic expanse of unconquered wilderness and in rugged individuals on a quest for identity and sometimes for survival. Owen Wister's unsmiling Virginian... Dorothy M. Johnson's, "A Man Called Horse": These are a few of the colorful, even legendary characters who populate The American West in Fiction, a collection of stories edited by Jon Tuska.

The St. Charles Players present a unique telling of Owen Wister's classic Western, in a new multi-cast dramatization performed in exciting Radio Theatre style.

Dive into the captivating world of early conservation with Our Search for a Wilderness, the inaugural book from The Boone and Crockett Club, co-founded by Theodore Roosevelt and George Grinnell. In their Editors Note, they emphasized the essence of big-game hunting as a pursuit for the strong and resilient. This book, while reflecting the outdated equipment of its time, offers a vivid exploration of the American West and the dawn of the conservation movement. Each chapter delves into various animals such as buffalo, mountain goats, elk, and grizzlies, as well as the indigenous peoples and ...

Ostensibly a love story, the novel really revolves around a highly mythologized version of the Johnson County War in 1890's Wyoming ... The novel takes the side of the large ranchers, and depicts the lynchings as frontier justice, meted out by the protagonist, who is a member of a natural aristocracy among men. Owen Wister was an American writer and historian, considered the "father" of western fiction. He is best remembered for writing The Virginian and a biography of Ulysses S. Grant.

Discover the remarkable life of Ulysses S. Grant, the celebrated Union hero of the Civil War and the 18th President of the United States. This engaging biography, presented in a concise 145-page pamphlet, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a man who shaped American history. Though the author is renowned for his captivating tales of the Old West, he also crafted a significant body of nonfiction that reveals much about Grants legacy. (Summary by David Wales)

Step into the vibrant world of our Western Frontier through these eight interconnected tales, drawn from a time that feels both familiar and distant. Each story weaves together life and manners, with characters that share a common thread, creating a tapestry of adventures that resonate deeply. In a rich landscape brimming with true stories, the need for invention fades as we explore the realities that shape our national narrative. With heartfelt gratitude to those who have welcomed me into their lives and shared their wisdom, I hope these tales entertain the curious and provoke thought in the ...

Owen Wister (July 14, 1860-July 21, 1938) was an American writer and historian, considered the "father" of western fiction. He is best remembered for writing a biography of Ulysses S. Grant and the novel The Virginian, in which Wister created the archetypal cowboy.

Dive into Members of the Family, a captivating anthology featuring eight short stories that explore the lives of individuals in the Wyoming Territory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each narrative, narrated by David Wales, paints a vivid picture of a time filled with rich history and complex characters.

This Raging Bull Publishing box set contains four classic Western books by Owen Wister: Lin Mclean (1897), Red Men and White (1895), The Jimmyjohn Boss (1900), and The Virginian (1902).

In the wake of the brutalities of World War I, Owen Wister penned a poignant call to action in 1915, urging the United States to abandon its stance of neutrality and join the Allies against Germany. His impassioned plea aimed to hasten the downfall of the German regime, which he characterized as embodying a new Trinity of worship the Super-man, the Super-race, and the Super-state. Wister was among many influential literary figures who rallied for this cause. His words resonate powerfully Perhaps nothing save calamity will teach us what Europe is thankful to have learned again – that some ...

Augustus embarks on a journey to Kings Port, South Carolina, at the behest of his Aunt Carola, who is eager to uncover his royal lineage and secure his place in her prestigious Colonial Society. As he delves into genealogies and historical records, Augustus finds himself entwined in a passionate love story between John Mayrant and Eliza La Heu, adding unexpected twists to his quest for nobility. (Summary by Lois Hill)

In this captivating tale, what appears to be a love story unfolds against the backdrop of the legendary Johnson County War in 1890s Wyoming. The narrative takes a bold stance, portraying the large ranchers as the heroes and framing the lynchings as acts of frontier justice, all through the eyes of a protagonist who embodies a natural aristocracy among men.

For twenty years, Padre Ignacio has served as the devoted pastor of the California mission, Santa Ysabel del Mar. In 1855, a mysterious stranger arrives, bringing with him unsettling news that ignites a profound spiritual crisis. This tale unfolds more like a novella than a traditional novel, weaving themes of faith, temptation, and redemption. (Summary by David Wales)