The Virginian Audiobook By Owen Wister cover art

The Virginian

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The Virginian

By: Owen Wister
Narrated by: Jack Garrett
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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 Classics Genre Fiction Westerns Fiction

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.
Beautiful Love Story • Engaging Storytelling • Excellent Narration • Well-crafted Plot • Classic Western Tale

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

This is such a great book and such a good reader.

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

A favorite...

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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.

Best Western Book

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

Great story

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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.

Best book in a while

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