Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged: A Philosophical and Literary Companion (Paperback)

by Edward W. Younkins (Author), Edward Wayne Younkins (Editor) "Published in 1957, Atlas Shrugged presents a comprehensive statement and detailed illustration of Ayn Rand's original and perceptive philosophical ideas and inspiring moral vision..." (more)
Key Phrases: romantic realism, human productivity, new radicalism, Atlas Shrugged, New York, Ayn Rand (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Since its publication in 1957 "Atlas Shrugged", the philosophical and artistic climax of Ayn Rand's novels, has never been out of print and has received enormous critical attention becoming one of the most influential books ever published, impacting on a variety of disciplines including philosophy, literature, economics, business, and political science among others. More than a great novel, "Atlas Shrugged" is an abstract conceptual, and symbolic work that expounds a radical philosophy, presenting a view of man and man's relationship to existence and manifesting the essentials of an entire philosophical system - metaphysics, epistemology, politics and ethics. Celebrating the fiftieth year of "Atlas Shrugged's" publication, this companion is an exploration of this monumental work of literature. Contributions have been specially commissioned from a diversity of eminent scholars who admire and have been influenced by the book, the included essays analyzing the novel's integrating elements of theme, plot and characterization from many perspectives and from various levels of meaning.

About the Author
Edward Younkins is one of the leading scholars on the works of Ayn Rand in the world. He is the author of 'Capitalism and Commerce' and 'Philosophers of Capitalism: Menger, Mises, Rand and Beyond'.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Ashgate (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754655490
• ISBN-13: 978-0754655497
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,507 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true must-have, December 14, 2007

By	Charles Almond - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Very few novels have stood the test of time. This year marks a venerable exception to this axiom, with the fiftieth aniversary of the first publication of Ayn Rand's groundbreaking novel Atlas Shrugged, which has never been out of print since its inititial publication. Hugely popular among literature and philosophy buffs alike, it has meant many different things to many people over the years. To some, it is just an entertaining story with fascinating characters and plot twists, while to others it is the cornerstone of their business, political, economic, and life's philosophy.

One such man, Dr. Edward Younkins of Wheeling Jesuit University, has long argued the merits and deeper meaning of Ayn Rand's ideas and Objectivist philosophy, which was laid out so completely in her culminating work, Atlas Shrugged. While Dr. Younkins has authored other works on related ideas, he may well consider this his crowning achievement. Few have understood this complex and artistic work with the depth and breadth of Dr. Younkins, and he has worked with many of the worlds leading scholars, authors, philosophers, businessmen, and educators to compile thirty six different essays on various aspects of Atlas Shrugged. Each contributor has laid out in easily understood form a different aspect of Atlas Shrugged and its significance to the human condition.

Dr. Younkins has then organized each of these separate works into a comprehensive companion, designed to help anyone understand the deeper truths Ayn Rand worked so hard to articulate to those who are willing to look. After reading Dr. Younkins' companion compilation, it is clear to anyone why the works of Ayn Rand have had such staying power and influence over the best and brightest minds of our age, from such minds as Alan Greenspan all the way down to the causal reader just looking for a good story. Anyone wanting to expand their knowledge and understanding of this classic work need look no further.

5 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars incorrect order, May 21, 2009

By	Roger Holloway - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The title of the book makes it sound like it is the original book, but is actually a study of the actual book. I had to return this book and reorder the actual "Atlas Shrugged" book.

2 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, March 24, 2009

By	SteveNY "steveny" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Ayn Rand hits the nail on the head with this clear, thoughtful, hard hitting novel. A page turner with a message. wow.