The Ayn Rand Lexicon: Objectivism from A to Z (Ayn Rand Library) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Harry Binswanger (Editor) "Abortion. An embryo has no rights..." (more)
Key Phrases: teleological measurement, argument from intimidation, philosophical detection, Leonard Peikoff, Soviet Russia, The Philosophy of Objectivism (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A prolific writer, bestselling novelist, and world-renowned philosopher, Ayn Rand defined a full system of thought--from epistemology to aesthetics. Her writing is so extensive and the range of issues she covers so enormous that those interested in finding her discussions of a given topic may have to search through many sources to locate the relevant passage. THE AYN RAND LEXICON brings together all the key ideas of her philosophy of Objectivism. Begun under Rand's supervision, this unique volume is an invaluable guide to her philosophy or reason, self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism--the philosophy so brilliantly dramatized in her novels THE FOUNTAINHEAD, WE THE LIVING, and ATLAS SHRUGGED.

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Plume; Paperback edition (January 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452010519
• ISBN-13: 978-0452010512
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,267 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 4 in The Ayn Rand Library Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Exceptional Reference, June 16, 1999

By A Customer

This work is extraordinarily useful for a person studying Ayn Rand's philosophy. This well organized book offers an explanation of Ayn Rand's crucial concepts, as well as commonly used terms. It also presents, in brief, her views of other schools of thought. One can spend a lot of time simply browsing through the work. "The Ayn Rand Lexicon" displays information by essentials, allowing the reader to understand ideological fundamentals. For example, one can learn that the difference between altruism and egoism is not so superficial as charity, but has far deeper roots. Does man have the right to live for himself, in the pursuit of his own happiness, or must he serve others and their needs? The answer is derived from man's nature and can be found in this proficient reference. This is an excellent first exposure to the philosophy behind Ayn Rand's fiction. One will find her philosophical writings impressively honest. These excerpts are clear and unequivocal, something rarely found today.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Convenient reference to Objectivist Thought, November 13, 2005

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Ayn Rand was one of the most original thinkers of the 20th century and a magnificent defender of freedom and capitalism. She was also a prescient critic of a consensus that has since proved harmful and been discarded. This encyclopaedic work provides easy reference to all the key ideas in her extensive writings and the vast range of issues that she dealt with. Approximately 400 entries are arranged alphabetically, making it easy to access her thoughts on many topics of enduring importance.

The lexicon draws on the books Atlas Shrugged, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, Introduction To Objectivist Epistemology, The New Left, Philosophy: Who Needs It?, The Romantic Manifesto, The Virtue Of Selfishness, We The Living, and The Ominous Parallels by Leonard Peikoff. Other material comes from journals like The Ayn Rand Letter, The Objectivist, The Objectivist Forum and The Objectivist Newsletter.

There is an introduction by Leonard Peikoff and preface by the editor Harry Bingswanger. A Conceptual Index classifies the topics under the headings Philosophy, Psychology, Economics and General. Philosophy is further subdivided into Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics and Aesthetics.

All the relevant matters from the objectivist corpus in the above disciplines and in intellectual history are covered here. The text includes some work by other authors like Peikoff only where it was specifically endorsed by Rand. The entries, from Abortion to Zero, are meticulously cross-referenced.

The Ayn Rand Lexicon is a treasure trove of original thought and information on this most radical of all philosophies devoted to reason, freedom and capitalism. It is a valuable reference work and compelling compendium of Rand's contribution to literature and philosophy.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most useful Rand reference work I own., March 3, 1999

By	Betsy Speicher "http://forums.4aynrandfans.com/" (Thousand Oaks, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I recall Ayn Rand had something unique and cogent to say about some topic, but I can't remember where or her exact formulation, this is where I go to look it up. I find what I'm looking for in seconds. It is one of my most used reference books.

I would recommend this to Ayn Rand admirers, serious philosophy scholars (whether you love Rand or hate her), and anyone looking for some really interesting quotes.