Ayn Rand Reader [Paperback]

Ayn Rand (Author), Gary Hull (Editor), Leonard Peikoff (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

The Fountainhead, which became one of the most influential and widely read philosophical novels of the twentieth century, made Ayn Rand famous. An impassioned proponent of rational self-interest, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism, she expressed her unique views in numerous works of fiction and non-fiction that have been brought together for the first time in this one-of-a-kind volume.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Plume (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452280400
• ISBN-13: 978-0452280403
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Women Writers

More About the Author

Ayn Rand's first novel, We the Living, was published in 1936. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved spectacular and enduring success. Through her novels and nonfiction writings, which express her unique philosophy, Objectivism, Rand maintains a lasting influence on popular thought.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

86 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to Ayn Rand, March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ayn Rand Reader (Paperback)

For those of you who are honestly interested in learning about Ayn Rand, I fully recommend this book as an introduction to her philosophy.

It's very disheartening to see that Ayn Rand detractors have overwhelmed most of the review boards for her books.

If you read this book, please keep in mind several things that its detractors have not:

1. Ayn Rand's philosophy is an integrated system of looking at life and reality. It distorts her view when you grab one of her ideas and take it out of context. Before you pass judgment on Ayn Rand, please know what you are talking about and learn the fundamentals of her philosophy.

2. You have to be honest to learn from Ayn Rand. Reading her books won't dislodge the falsehoods from your mind, nor cram the truth into your brain. She has created a roadmap for learning the ideal philosophy, but YOU have to look at reality and learn it yourself. Because of this, there are people who have distorted her ideas drastically. Please look at what she has written to learn about her, NOT what others interpret her to be.

That's why this book is so important in clearing up the chaos surrounding Ayn Rand. So many people have misinterpreted her. Here you can get the information firsthand. In her own words.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Ayn Rand's books, March 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ayn Rand Reader (Paperback)

This is an excellent compilation of Miss Rand's writings -- an introduction for beginners and a treasured condensation (of her writings) for her ardent fans.

Although I have (read) all Miss Rand's fiction and non-fiction, the Ayn Rand Reader permits me quick reference to many of my favorite passages and essays.

Miss Rand's writings are my continuing source of spiritual (mind) and moral strength in a world (currently) dominated by collectivism and altruism.

Her writings will, in time, be the foundation of a New (and much needed) Renaissance.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The essence of Ayn Rand's thought; sizzling and uplifting, January 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ayn Rand Reader (Paperback)

Fabulous. For beginners (and even some alleged sophisticates) who want to know about Ayn Rand, THIS -- and no other -- is the book to read. Peikoff and Hull peformed above standard in putting this together. It is fresh, sizzling, uplifting. The best Ayn Rand book in 10 years (or longer).