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  • The Virginian

  • By: Owen Wister
  • Narrated by: Jack Garrett
  • Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (485 ratings)

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The Virginian

By: Owen Wister
Narrated by: Jack Garrett
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Editorial reviews

Stoic cowboys, villainous gamblers, and kindhearted damsels are some of the Wild West archetypes that originated in Owen Wister’s 1902 novel, The Virginian, which has been adapted into TV and film by several directors, including Cecil B. DeMille.

The Virginian is a lanky cowboy working at a ranch in Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Throughout the story he clashes with the crooked Trampas and romances a lovely schoolteacher, Molly Stark Wood. Wister’s story depicts the harshness of the western frontier in elegant, slightly formal language.

Jack Garrett does justice to the book’s Wild West setting with his gravelly drawl and a range of character voices.

Publisher's summary

Originally published in 1902, 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.

©2006 George Vecsey (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about The Virginian

Average customer ratings
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This is such a great book and such a good reader.

Well worth the 20 plus hours. A journey back in time yet timeless and witty.

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1 person found this helpful

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A favorite...

The Virginian is one of my favorite stories of all time! The narration is good too.

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Great story

Really love this book got into the story The narration was great and it characters were built up well

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Best Western Book

This was recommended by a friend! It did not disappoint! Everything you could want in a good book. I’ll be reading it again soon.

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Cannot get enough...

The story ends and you are ready for it to begin again. Virtue, love, integrity, friendship...action, drama, intensity...I do not know what is missing.

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A Rip-roaring Adventure

The Virginian is now one of my top ten favourite books. It made me laugh, and it made me think, and it is the first and definitive book of the cowboy genre. This is a brilliant look at regional prejudice; the development of the western persona; women's roles in 19th century America, macho culture, and vigilante justice. There's so much to ponder in this entertaining read. Exquisite writing, gripping and funny stories; provocative conflicts -- there's so much to like about this book.

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One of the best western stories!

Truly one of the best western stories ever wrote. It makes you feel like you are in the Wyoming territory. The narration was excellent.

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Best book in a while

This book was such an unexpected surprise. I had heard that it was one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite books and I had to get a hold of it. And man am I glad I did. This American tale is wonderful from beginning to end. Love the narrator. Love the story.

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in my top 10

One of the most enjoyable well written gripping audiobooks I have ever listened to and I've listened to hundreds. The combination of this author with this narrator was fantastic. What more can I say? when it comes to heroes and romance no one comes close to The Virginian. After binging Anthony Trollope and Wilkie Collins and other Brits this was a blast of fresh American Air.

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Sweeping, adventurous, inspiring

I’m embarrassed to say that I had not considered this book until visiting Winthrop, Wa. with my family. Owen Wister had also spent time in Winthrop. A sign there commemorates his visit. The Virginian is a delicious account of the Western epoch, including a ride through the plains with some of the greatest yet most typical people, values, beauty and adventure that the West had to offer. There is also a taste of the worst of these, without which the best cannot be fully appreciated. As for himself, the Virginian is the embodiment of the hard-earned character and values that all of us should aspire to. This is an inspirational tale.

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