Owen Wister's paladin of the plains : The Virginian as a cultural hero
Date
2008
Authors
Smith, David A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South Dakota State Historical Society
ORCID
Type
Article
Refereed Paper
Refereed Paper
Degree Level
Abstract
In 1902, Owen Wister published The Virginian : A Horseman of the Plains. It is possible the most widely read novel ever written by an American. Smith explores the origins of Wister's cowboy hero and the reasons behind the public's enthusiastic acceptance of him at the time when the United States was becoming a global power. The article also examines the continuing influence of The Virginian's cowboy hero on America today.
Description
This article received the 2009 Spur Award for Best Short Nonfiction from the Western Writers of America.
Keywords
Wister, Owen, 1860-1938, The Virginian (1902), American West, American history
Citation
South Dakota History vol. 38, no. 1 (Spring 2008): 47-77