The Virginian

Set against the backdrop of the Johnson County War in 1890s Wyoming, the narrative follows a tall, honorable cowboy known as the Virginian. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, readers are introduced to the Virginian's journey to a cattle ranch, where he faces his nemesis, Trampas, amid tensions over land use. The novel explores themes of honor and chivalry as the Virginian navigates conflicts while adhering to his moral code. Wister's portrayal of the American frontier captures a longing for a romanticized past, defining the western genre.