It is undoubtedly the most famous novel in Western American literary history and undeniably a "fun read".In it,Owen Wister virtually invented the modern Western formula-the conflict between the forces of civilization and lawlessness on the frontier,with the cowboy-hero as the incarnation and mediatore of this conflict.

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.

Introduction

To the Reader

Re-dedication and Preface

ENTER THE MAN

"WHEN YOU CALL ME THAT, SMILE!"

STEVE TREATS

DEEP INTO CATILE LAND

ENTER THE WOMAN

EM"LY

THROUGH TWO SNOWS

THE SINCERE SPINSTER

THE SPINSTER MEETS THE UNKNOWN

WHERE FANCY WAS BRED

"YOU"RE GOING TO LOVE ME BEFORE WE GET THROUGH"

QUALITY AND AQUALITY

THE GAME AND THE NATION-ACT FIRST

BETWEEN THE ACTS

THE GAME AND THE NATION-ACT SECOND

THE GAME AND THE NATION-LAST ACT

SCIPIO MORALIZES

"WOULD YOU BE A PARSON?"

DR.MACBRIDE BEGS PARDON

THE JUDGE IGNORES PARTICULARS

IN A STATE OF SIN

"WHAT IS A RUSTLER?"

VARIOUS POINTS

A LETTER WITH A MORAL

PROGRESS OF THE LOST DOG

BALAM AND PEDRO

GRANDMOTHER STARK

NO DREAM TO WAKE FROM

WORD TO BENNINGTON

A STABLE ON THE FLAT

THE COTTONWOODS

SUPERSTITION TRAIL

THE SPRINGSTER LOSES SOME SLEEP

"TO FIT HER FINGER"

WITH MALICE AFORETHOUGHT

Ar DUNBARTON

Litterary Allusions and Notes

Critical Excepts

Suggestions for Further Reading