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 Storytelling • Engaging Characters • Intriguing Protagonist • Emotional Depth • Classic Western Literature
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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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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.

in my top 10

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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.

Sweeping, adventurous, inspiring

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I've been listening to some classics interspersed with other books recently. This one was available at a special low price so I picked it up. Boy, have I been surprised! It has a good story and the narration is one of the best I've heard.

Really good book!

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I liked this book immensely! Too bad the story doesn't keep on. I highly recommend this book!

Loved it!👍🏻

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Although some characters were a little too flat, the Virginian himself was a greatly intriguing character and listening to his monologues were entertaining.

A well balanced and interesting western

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