Still as exciting and meaningful as when it was written in 1902, Owen
Wister's epic tale of one man's journey into the untamed territory of
Wyoming, where he is caught between his love for a woman and his quest
for justice, has exemplified one of the most significant and enduring
themes in all of American culture.
With remarkable character depth and vivid descriptive passages, The
Virginian stands not only as the first great novel of American Western
literature, but as a testament to the eternal struggle between good and
evil in humanity and a revealing study of the forces that guide the
combatants on both sides.
This edition of The Virginian has been prepared by Gary Scharnhorst,
professor of English at the University of New Mexico. It includes his
introduction, notes, a selection of critical excerpts, and suggestions
for further reading, as well as a unique visual essay of period
illustrations and photographs.