"The Virginian" is a novel written by Owen Wister, first published in 1902, that is often considered a classic of American Western literature. The novel tells the story of a cowhand and gunfighter from the Wyoming Territory who becomes a respected member of the community. The Virginian is known for its portrayal of the American West as a place of adventure, danger, and honor, and for its depiction of the cowboy as a symbol of American individualism and frontier spirit. The novel is set in the late 19th century, at a time when the American West was undergoing rapid transformation and change. Through the story of the Virginian, Wister explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the conflict between civilization and the wilderness. The novel has had a lasting impact on American culture, and is considered a seminal work of Western fiction that helped establish the genre and shape popular perceptions of the American West.