"The Virginian" is a novel written by Owen Wister in 1902, often considered one of the first modern Westerns. The story is set in the American West and follows the life of a nameless cowboy known as the Virginian, who works on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. The novel explores themes of honor, love, and the rugged individualism of frontier life. The plot centers around the Virginian's relationship with Molly Stark, a schoolteacher, and his conflicts with a rival cowboy named Trampas. The book highlights the challenges of life in the West, including cattle rustling and the struggle for justice, while also depicting the beauty of the landscape and the code of ethics among cowboys.