Product Description
This remarkable, newly revised collection of Ayn Rand's early fiction-including her previously unpublished short story The Night King-ranges from beginner's exercises to excerpts from early versions of We the Living and The Fountainhead. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Several quick reads as an Ayn Rand Appetizer or a dessert after The Fountainhead
The stories in this book all have the same qualities as the books Ayn Rand wrote during her mature years:that life can and should be an adventure ("Good Copy"), that men have a great capacity for heroism ("Red Pawn"), that no man can escape the consequences of his philosophy ("Think Twice").If you've been curious about Ayn Rand but hesitant to take on reading one of her large books (Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead) then try reading a couple of these short stories.If you enjoy them, you probably won't be able to wait to get started reading one of her books!If you've already enjoyed reading one of her books, these stories will give you a few more hours to spend with her and her ideas. ... Read more

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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Not perfectly comprehensive, but a great resource
I often find myself frustrated by topics not included in this compilation. Still, I've used and enjoyed it for the better part of 10 years. It's been a great source of quotation, a way to get the undiluted "Objectivist perspective" quickly, and it's organization is commendable. If you've ever read Rand, you'll know what to expect in terms of the theme of the entries (they explain and promote Rand's principals). If you are new to Rand, this gives a great overview of a lot of topics, however I'm not sure that it is the best place to start simply because it isn't a single coherent narrative, but rather a reference book.

not a good starting place
I started reading this book, but it is about as interesting or informative as a dictionary or encyclopedia.
Because I didn't have a full view of what Ayn Rand was defining, it was too disjointed to make much sense to me.
However, that is more because I have just started reading her writings than because the book has no value.
It has a lot of value, but not without understanding/knowing what each item is within the Philosophy of Objectivism.As I progress through her other writings, this book becomes a valuable aid, but I wouldn't recommend it for a stand alone volume.

Awesome reference for both ends of the spectrum
If you're like me, then you are interested in Ayn Rand's philosophy, but not a full-blown Objectivist. This book presents a wide array of commentary by Ayn Rand for hundreds of different topics. It should be known that you can view all the material in this book (with certain exceptions) at [...]for free (and legally). I got this book so I could read the entries while I wasn't on the computer.

The main thing that is wrong with this book is that it contains commentary from a jackass named Leonard Peikhoff, the founder of the Ayn Rand Institute. He has been known to be an idiot and deviate from original, Objectivist philosophy. Other than that, this book is fantastic!

An excellent research text on the basic principles of Any Rand's philosophy-Objectivism.
Having read all of Any Rand's work, and even took a few courses on Objectivism, I found this volume an excellent guide to the basic philosophical principles of Ayn Rand's Objectivism.As a individual who does not believe in ANY DOGMA, including Objectivism, I found this lexicon educational and informative.It helped to clarify numerous areas as it relates to the philosophy of Objectivism.This book is for anyone who is interested in Objectivism and is seeking a clairification on certain topics as they relate to Rand's philosophy.I personally do not believe ANY ONE PHILOSOPHY has all the answers; however, there are many areas in which the philosophy of Objectivism is right on target.One, the fact that collectivism and all its various forms (Communism, Socialism, Nazism, big government etc)are evil. Two, Capitalism is the best economic system, but it does need some over sight because of abuses by criminals.Three, Individualism is superior to any form of collectivism etc).In conclusion, whether you are an Ayn Rand follower or not, this is an excellent research tool.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Season of the Warrior: a poetic tribute to warriors, Monadnock Defensive Tactics, Use of the Monadnock Straight Baton, PR-24 Police Baton Advanced Techniques, Martial Art Myths, Never Trust a Politician).

Passing the tourch to the next generation
Theanswer the question Who needs philosophy to live byis, we all do. ... Read more

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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Wish our idiot president would read this book
Enjoying re-reading this classic.....

Ayn Rand's book is frighteningly prophetic and directly applicable to the "inmates running the asylum" system presently being glorified and forced upon the USA by Obama, his socialist elites, and all those lazy folks who voted for him.Bring back the poll tax.Institute a; on welfare or on food stamps or collecting unemployment or not paying income taxes or convicted of a crime and you haven't demonstrated you have earned the right to vote.You are essentially a non participant (or more likely a detriment) of society and therefore should have no say in how its run.Those who pay for the programs should be the only ones to reap the benefits.

Ayn Rand is a genius and I'd forgotten how truly remarkable she was.

Anything by Milton Friedman is also a wonderful read.

MISLEADING TITLE
I along with several other readers bought this book thinking it was the Novel. I'm very disappointed in the way they tricked us,price was too high for what I got.

Wrong Order and Misleading Title
Book populates in wrong order and this is not the book that I desired. Now I have to order Atlas Shrugged.

misleading title
Very upset did not want to throw $15 for a review of something I havent read

Title deceiving
I, too, bought this book thinking it was the novel itself--very misleading and disappointing!I'm surprised that this is not made clear in the description of the book and put directly under the title!!!!
BUYER BEWARD! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A sadly mistitled book
For a better title, how about "Garbage Day: My Years of Self-Delusion and Rationalization"? That does better justice to its contents. A pathetic, trashy, bitchy book that epitomizes the predicament of the "unreliable narrator." Even Branden admits its unreliability: that's why he had to re-write it with a new, embarrassingly non-confrontational title. The hope, apparently, was to correct the more transparent errors in the first edition, and desperately to pretend that "judgment" was no longer at issue. But, alas, it is. It's hard to read this book with one's critical faculties "on" and not see that Nathaniel's critical faculties are "off" and have been since the 1960s. Best bet for the book: put it in the trash can, and leave it at the curb in the hopes that they'll haul it away. (Don't bother recycling it. The author has already done that.)

Not a Gentleman
While I knew of the "affair"(s) and figured it was their own business, obviously AR and NB (and BB) decided otherwise, and let the world in on it.As far As NB's book goes, I decidely disliked the way in which he described and disparaged Barbara Branden, which, even if true, was no excuse for what he did.If Barbara did not find Nathan sexually attractive (understandably), it does not indicate a lack of character on her part.She found him intellectually appealing and unfortunately for her, went along with AR's and NB's b-s that he should represent her deepest values and therefore she should find him sexually irresistable.As for Nathan, if he can claim that about BB, then what does that say about him when he threw over AR for Patrecia?He knows better and he needs to be just a 'little' more honest about the taglines he throws about. And as for the references to the "Crosby's" helping them start the taped series of the lectures, the Crosby's also made it possible for him to re-establish himself in Los Angeles; if it had not been for them, and their support of him in a very difficult time (AR had banished him), he would not have found it so easy to begin another career.As the Los Angeles reps for NBI (Nathanel Branden Institute --- running lectures on tapes in the Los Angeles area), the Crosby's had a high visability in the Objectivist circle in L.A., and by refusing to cast stones at either AR or NB, allowed Nathan the freedom to address the students in the L.A. area and to provide them with his own version of what took place, without interference from AR or any of the New York group.The whole thing was pathetic --- and still is.Of the three of them, I believe Barbara Branden is the only one who came out of it with any semblance of dignity.As for AR, I will always be grateful to her for helping me find my way as a young woman (18 when I read The Fountainhead and had my breath taken away by the logic of everything --- 20 when I read Atlas and knew I could handle my life in the world).I always though Nathan was vain and full of himself --- and this book really showed it.

Finally, someone with guts
I loved this book. I have always seen Rand as an unbearable narcissist and here is someone finally willing to see through the garbage and call it like it is. Very readable, thought provoking and an interesting peice of history. Ayn Rand cult followers will hate it.

Stinks!
So thoroughly refuted by scholars like James Valliant, it should be listed among works of fiction. Poorly written fiction, but still fiction. Even the author had to do this over, but it got no better. ... Read more

Product Description
An extensive collection of never-before-published interviews reflecting on Ayn Rand's life and character.

Drawing on 100 never-before-published interviews, Scott McConnell presents a unique portrait of a larger-than-life literary giant and a fascinating individual, Ayn Rand. Focusing on the private Rand, McConnell talked to the author's family, friends, fans, and associates, as well as Hollywood stars, university professors, fiction writers, and many more. Arranged in chronological order, these interviews cover a broad range of years, contexts, relationships, and observations on one of the most influential- and controversial-figures of the twentieth century. From Ayn Rand's youngest sister to the woman who inspired the character of Peter Keating in The Fountainhead, the subjects interviewed offer fresh, sometimes surprisingly candid, affectionate, and intriguing insights into a complex and remarkable writer, philosopher, and human being. ... Read more

Product Description
This collection of short fiction and plays by Ayn Rand charts her artistic and intellectual growth. It shows her development, in a critical decade, from a 21-year-old Russian emigrant struggling with English to a sophisticated writer of complex philosophical themes and prose. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A wonderful glimpse into the early thoughts of Ayn Rand
This collection of literature is absolutely wonderful, so long as you realize that they will not be as polished as Rand's more famous works such as Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead.I still give it five stars because these early works cannot be compared to her later works, as while they still share a similar philosophy, they are not comparable.

That being said, there are stories that will make you cry and smile, and for those of us who enjoy reading literature composed by someone who so valued the human spirit at its best, they are a wealth of insight and enjoyment into Rand's world.

ONLY FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF RAND
THIS BOOK IS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO KNOW AYN RAND AND ARE HUNGRY FOR EVERY WORD SHE HAS WRITTEN. FOR THOSE NEW TO AYN RAND, STAY AWAY - CHOOSE ONE OF HER MORE FAMOUS AND POPULAR NOVELS. MOST OF THE WRITING IN THIS BOOK ISAMATEURISH AND EMBARASSING TO READ - EVEN FOR ME, A STUDENT OF HERPHILOSOPHY. HOWEVER, EVEN IN THESE POORLY WRITTEN PIECES, MISS RAND'SPHILOSOPHY AND STYLE ARE VISIBLE.THE MOST INTERESTING ASPECT OF THESESHORT STORIES, PLAYS AND PIECES IS TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF MISS RAND'SWRITING - FROM POOR GRAMMER, SENTENCE STYLE AND STRUCTURE ( THAT OF AFOREIGNER WITH NO COMMAND OF THE LANGUAGE) TO THE WRITINGS OF SOMEONE WHOHAS GREAT TALENT AND IS DESTINED TO BECOME A BEST-SELLING AUTHOR.THUS, IF YOU ARE NEW TO AYN RAND, READ ONE OF HER MAJOR WORKS!!!

If you love idealism, you love her[Ayn Rand].
I read this book as if it were the last one she had written.I savored the stories, the characters, the sometimes enevitable plots.I grew up with Ayn.First I read Anthem, then The Fountainhead, and then AtlasShrugged.(These over the course of my teen years.)I believed that whatshe said was true.Yes, I have matured and realized life is not quite soperfect as I wished it could be as Ayn had expressed it.However, I havefound that if I expect the best from life, and except nothing less, thenthat is what I will recieve.I think that is all Ayn ever intended to say. Yes, she seemed to make it all complicated and profound, but all in allshe just wanted what was the best and what was right.Don't we all??YOUdetermine what is right and best for you.It doesn't have to match anyoneelse.I just happen to match Ayn.Have you read We the Living?If youhave not please do.I think this is as close to Ayn as you will ever get. Yes, she is an idealist and a capitalist to the nth degree.Ahhhh, but tobelieve in something so strongly, that is admirable.

The birth of a modern religion
I believe Ayn Rand's writings are very destructive. And this isn't because of her highly un-original philosophy. No, the reason for this is the powerful grip the books has on her followers. In her books they findjustification for behaving in a anti-social manner that is slowlydestroying the fabric of the societies of the Western World. This egoism issupposedly derived from "reason". In the real world however thereis no reason for people not to find fulfillment and meaning from helpingothers and caring for their family and friends. The accusation that"altruism", i.e. decency and goodness, leads to tyranny isnothing but products of a very paranoid mind. The craziest thing about thisthough is the fact that Ayn Rand has been raised to a saint-like status byher followers. No disagreement with her writings is ever accepted and ifyou disagree you are an evil communist/collectivist. To be a trueindividualist you must agree with everything she has ever written. Isn'tthis collectivism in a true sense? No, says her followers, those views arederived by reason and must therefore be share by all intelligent humanbeings. Pretty scary!! Note that Objectivism, like Marxism, Freudianism andJungianism, is a closed system of thought in the sense that any critisismof the system is automatically seen as a symptom of unreason. This is whatmakes Objectivism a religion rather than a philosophy or scientific method.And this is also the reason for the fanatical behavior of her disciples.

This book was terrible, even for a beginning author
The author has created poorly constructed and rather lifeless characters.Although the author has imposed much passion on her characters they still seem plastic.As for the story, well I'd rather read something else. ... Read more

Product Description
Previous Praise for Nathaniel Branden"Relentlessly revealing. . . the myth of Ayn Rand gives way to a full-sized portrait in contrasting colors, appealing and appalling, potent and paradoxical. . . . it takes a special kind of nerve to write such a book."--Norman Cousins, author of Head First and The Healing Heart

Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged is one of the most influential books of the twentieth century-its popular impact ranked second only to the Bible in a major poll. Millions know Rand as one of this century's great thinkers, writers, and philosophers, yet much about the private Ayn Rand remains shrouded in mystery.

Who was Ayn Rand?

My Years with Ayn Rand charts the course of the clandestine, tempestuous relationship between the enigmatic author of Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead and Nathaniel Branden-her young disciple and future pioneer of the self-esteem movement. In this book, discover the real Ayn Rand through the eyes of the man who became her soul mate and shared her passions and philosophical ideals.

Their tragic and tumultuous love story began with a letter written by Branden as an admiring teenage fan and Anded, more than twenty years later, with accusations of betrayal and bitter recriminations. My Years with Ayn Rand paints an unforgettable portrait of Ayn Rand-whose ideas, even today, can generate a maelstrom of controversy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Nathan is a Survivor
I could not put this down. It was almost like reading a non fiction account of the characters of Atlas Shrugged or the Fountainhead - all put into a real life story. Ayn Rand was not lying when she said that Nathaniel Branden is the male embodiment of her philosophy. Behind any differences that may have developed in the lives of these characters and the tragedies they overcame(especially Nathaniel)emerges the sincere, completely accounted for objective account of what happened through the eyes of one of the characters. I enjoyed how Nathaniel included exactly how he felt throughout his entire life in addition to exact accounts of conversations on almost every page. I think the principle that illuminated my mind most in this book was one that I naturally derived from the life of Nathaniel. Here is a man who was exposed to a great woman (Ayn Rand) and presented with a body of knowledge. He essentially never stopped growing, and never stopped confronting new situations and learning more - always building upon the knowledge he had. The beauty of the story is how Nathaniel puts into practice the valuing of his own moral judgment above others throughout the story and achieves his happiness/sanity through doing just that. Nathaniel is torn before assuming full responsibility for guiding his life with his own moral judgment. We can all relate to this. This all culminates with his decision to leave Ayn and Barbara and marry Patrecia, a gorgeous, jubilant model who the reader immediately fell in love with after seeing her picture and reading her thoughts. She tragically dies at a high point in the story, though Nathaniel carries on and marries another attractive woman and writes more books. I do not care what the Ayn Rand Institute has to say about Nathaniel Branden. He is one who has not gave up in pursuing his ecstasy. It is apparent that how we seek that ecstasy, and the consistence/confidence (self esteem) we put in our ability to achieve our unique form of it through our own moral judgment to sustain the creation of that ecstasy is what makes us successful individuals. I learned a lot from this book. I doubt a memoir by any other psychologist could be this fascinating. I truly enjoyed this book - it is a memoir which says that happiness is truly possible to the man who honestly pursues it.

A Revised Judgment
A lot has been said about the memoirs of Nathaniel Branden.JUDGMENT DAY, published in 1989 in part as a response to his ex-wife's 1986 memoir/biography THE PASSION OF AYN RAND, presents a somewhat different take on Ayn Rand.Instead of the repressed genius of Barbara Branden's book, we get a Rand who, although a genius, was conventionally nasty and ungrateful (worst of all to Nathaniel Branden).

Branden also tries to settle some scores, not only with Rand, but with his cousin, Leonard Peikoff, and his ex-wife.Personally I don't find this particularly edifying.Nor am I interested in learning about how Rand was in the sack.

Nathaniel Branden revised this book in 1999, using the more modest MY YEARS WITH AYN RAND as a title. It's a bit more toned down with respect to others (in particular his ex-wife and cousin), but the description of Rand is basically the same.

Of the three books, I think Barbara Branden's biography is the best.Those interested in Rand should start there.

A memoir Ayn Rand's followers need to read.
I read Fountainhead when I was 18 and soon followed it with Atlas Shrugged. I liked Fountainhead for its individualist philosophy. Roark became my hero. I read Atlas Shrugged and was appalled at Rand's extremist views. Anyone who differs from her ideas is evil according to her. She spews venom and hopes to convert readers to her ideas with the force of her contempt.

I decided to read Branden's memoir in an appempt to gain more insight into what made this lady so bitter and angry. Its clear she lived only in amake believe world of ideas. She did not see reality as it was. She believed she was the personification of all her ideal values. Yet her need for adulation , her childish need to seek total acquiescence from her followers show she was far removed from her idea of a Hero.
Branden does a good job of humanising this self styled demi goddess. You just need to read this and you never need to be tempted again to read the churlish, self righteous sermonising of Rand.

read it and bathe
This book was lying around the house, undoubtedly the result of the peregrinations of someone in the family through the remainder bins. I think I should clarify that the book I am reviewing, Judgment Day, is actually an earlier version of "My Years with Ayn Rand." I guess Branden got tired of being judged, or maybe needed to display Rand's name more prominently on the cover--or realized the Christian implication of his title.

I also should state that I couldn't care less about Branden, Rand, Objectivism, the Self-Esteem Movement, Libertarianism, or any other person or idea associated with the people involved in the book--a point I mention because many reviewers seem to feel strongly about some or all of the above. I did read the Fountainhead, many years ago, when I was 14, which seems to be a favorable age for finding prose like "Howard Roark laughed" not laughable. For a year or so I thought the book was great; then I lost interest. Personally, I think I developed greater literary sensitivity and a more adult appreciation of human psychology, but I don't want to patronize the many adults in the world who think everything Ayn is fine. Therefore, to anyone who needs to know--as Rand-people need to know--whether I'm "for" them, the answer is "no," which I guess means I'm against them.

I gave this book any stars at all because I believe it would speed the clear-eyed adolescent admirer of Objectivism to a better realization of the implications of all that hero-worship and examining premises stuff. I cannot imagine anyone finishing this book without having shuddered in disgust at least once. Was it possible Branden actually wrote a cautionary tale in the form of an apologia? Is he that clever?

I think not. I think Branden was trying to rehabilitate himself. Yet he remains so thickly encased in his own sense of self-importance that he cannot place himself in the position of any other human being. Therefore, when he describes a cousin who fails to understand him as "a eunuch," or lists his first wife as not the victim but the perpetrator of her own pain, I think he does not realize that a lot of readers will read the subtext rather than the text, and think, "What an unsympathetic creep." And, I should add, an unsympathetic creep who has made his living for the past 25 years as a psychologist in Southern California (which helps explain, now that this East Coast writer thinks about it, the mental disequilibrium of Los Angeles).

Here is an analogy I bet no one has made: The person Branden most reminded me of was our past beloved president, Bill Clinton. There is the same broad intellectual ability, charisma, and extroversion, wrecked by a sense of personal infallibility, an adolescent ego that sees his own life writ large across the cosmos, and, most damaging, an inability to take personal responsibility for bad decisions and suffer the negative consequences thereof. This guy (for those who don't know what I'm talking about) for over 20 years couldn't manage to extricate himself from a wacky mother-son romance (while married to a woman his own age) with Ayn Rand, that for at least half that time he didn't want. Couldn't help himself; didn't want to hurt her; didn't want to hurt the movement; didn't know which way was up; surrounded by moralists and enemies; help, get me outta here! His house of cards fell down around him when Woman Number 3 entered the picture and the bed just got too crowded. Studliness hath its price: Branden's not the first middle-aged guy who lost it all toa young bimbo, but true to type, he acted, and writes, like he was and is. I suppose in the days of the Patriarchs love meant never having to say you're sorry, but, as Rand and Branden spent most of their lives lamenting in a very Gloria Swanson-way, life has gotten smaller since then.

I took off 3 stars because the writing is boring and repetitive, there is almost no character development in spite of pages and pages of self-analysis and breast-beating (or chest-thumping), and most of the characters are very unpleasant. I will say that Wife #1, Barbara, seems like a real piece of work who I'd be interested in knowing better--that Nathaniel got away with this book without having her sue his tail off is testimony in that single fact to more strength of character on her part than her ex-husband displayed all the times of his life, added up.

Smear and exploitation of Ayn Rand (read The Passion of Ayn Rand's Critics for the whole story)
This book is a smear job against Ayn Rand so that Nathaniel Branden can clean up his own tarnished reputation while cashing in on Ayn Rand's fame.

James S. Valliant, in his book The Passion of Ayn Rand's Critics: The Case Against the Brandens, thoroughly dissects the claims made by the Brandens against Ayn Rand. He then references Ayn Rand's own personal journals to systematically demonstrate how Barbara and Nathaniel Branden deceived and exploited Ayn Rand for years for their own illegitimate aims. Even after Ayn Rand's death, the Brandens continue to cash in on Ayn Rand's self-made fame and her original philosophy of Objectivism. ... Read more

Product Description
A half-century after the publication of THE FOUNTAINHEAD, AynRand's ideas remain both highly controversial and extremely influential.In THE AYN RAND CULT, Jeff Walker exposes the woman behind the ideas,questioning whether they are as original as her followers claimed. Helooks at the devoted following she attracted in the 1940s and 1950s, howit was shaped by her volatile and domineering personality, and whatremains of it today. Ultimately, Walker argues, her Objectivist movementcame to practice the opposite of the principles it espoused-individualismand objectivity-evolving into a dictatorial cult in which members sufferedarranged marriages, took new names in homage to Rand, and were tried andexcommunicated for expressing opinions different from Rand's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (70)

Misinformed
I'm still trying to figure out how Walker can say that Rand's works are filled with " 'vulgar Nietzschean' philosophy's" when Rand herself denounces Neitzsche's philosophies...

A Believer But Not a Cult Follower
I only read a few excerpts.I won't put money in Mr. Walker's pocket.I was introduced to Atlas Shrugged late in life.I don't belong to a cult.I am one of the producers - a Dagny Taggart - a fierce individualist.I am one of those people who believe that if government continues to require producers to pay for the looters, the producers will stop producing or simply leave.All the people I know who love Ayn Rand's books and philosophy would never blindly follow anyone or anything.

Subjectivist howlings on being ignorant
I couldn't finish it... this book is without purpose. The philosophy of Ayn is complete....... period. If your not an Objectivist, you are a parasite and "don't deserve the title of human".

Waste of paper
Unreadable mix of sophomoric psuedo-journalism smears an often very unlikeable Rand with ludicrous charges of cultdom based on a small cadre of intense fans.Just because Ayn Rand was not a likable person often emulated by even less likable sycophants neither diminishes the value of her writings nor paints her followers as cult members.

See also The Passion of Ayn Rand, a biography of Rand written by Barbara Branden, the wife of the man she shared with Rand!

Fascinating read
I have read a few of Rand's books and thought they were OK, not great, not terrible, just OK.I was never attracted to the underlying themes in the books or Rand's "philosphy".I was fascinated, however, by the fact that somehow she has become an icon because of these books and wanted to learn more about her.This book pretty much tells it all-there is no fawning or sugar coating here.She was a nasty woman with some pretty deep rooted mental problems--intelligent, yes, but warped.I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone with the qualities she admired such as intelligence, free thinking, individualism etc. would ever want anything to do with this cult.She must have had some really potent Kool-Aid. ... Read more

Product Description
Published together for the first time are three of Ayn Rand's most compelling stage plays. The courtroom drama Night of January 16th, famous for its open-ended verdict, is presented here in its definitive text. Also included are two of Rand's unproduced plays, Think Twice, a clever philosophical murder mystery, and Ideal, a bitter indictment of people's willingness to betray their highest values-symbolized by a Hollywood goddess suspected of a crime. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Thoughtful plays that raise a question
Ayn Rand stresses a philosophy of Objectivism: people must pursue their objectives and let nothing stand in their way.
This seems to reflect the philosophy of Erich Fromm who wrote that people should be all that they can be, a theme that the US army accepted for its recruitment drive in the early 1980s. However, neither Fromm nor the Army went to Rand's extreme. Rand writes that people should be "selfish." Altruism, any concern for others, is "an evil," "a crime" against one's self. Thus she had a sexual affair with another man during her marriage, an affair that her husband knew about and suffered.
Paul Gauguin may have been a Rand hero. He abandoned his wife, children and lucrative job. He betrayed his friends and fled his country in his quest to paint, and he was successful. Another example, one mentioned in Rand's last play, is a man driving a car at ninety miles an hour to get to his destination. He runs over an old lady and doesn't stop or look back.
Thus the main character in the first of her three plays, her only successful play, was a thief and rapist, an embezzler like the recently imprisoned Bernie Madoff. He wanted money and let no one stop him. Rand asks her readers to decide if they think that the rapist is the ideal man. She admits that he is her ideal.
The second play is similar. It did not appear on stage. Many people have an ideal in life, but when the opportunity arrives to achieve it, they refuse it. Rand's play shows examples of how many people in all social strata fail. One is handed his goal but refuses it because at the last minute he prefers money instead, another because of his wrong-headed idea about religion, another because his wife does not want what he wants, another because of sex, while still another, as so many people, has a goal that is so abstract and amorphous that when he sees the chance to obtain his goal, he does not recognize it. Two characters do what Ayn Rand's thinks is right: one kills himself to attain his objective; the other lets a person die.
The third play, which was also never on stage, is a cleverly constructed murder mystery. The murdered man is an altruist. He helps people with his enormous wealth by giving what he feels is appropriate, but never ask what the person wants. Everyone in his house, every suspect, except one, hates him for his help. Ayn Rand wrote that anyone who truly understands her philosophy can figure out who is the murderer, but most people, she admits, are stymied.
These are the only plays that Rand wrote. They exude her philosophy in fascinating dramatic ways. Readers are challenged to decide whether they agree with her.

Exit Stage Left
Best known for her philosophy of Objectivism that permeates her novels, Ayn Rand also infused her stage plays with the same ideals and philosophical dilemmas.This collection of three plays, only one of which has been produced, is uneven and amateurish at times, but it highlights Rand's deepest beliefs in how people act.For any fan of her writings, "Three Plays" is a must read, but one does not need to be overtly familiar with her works to enjoy these words crafted for the stage.

The first play, "Night of January 16th", is the only play to have been produced (however unhappy Rand was with the resulting changes) and also perhaps the strongest of the three.It is a courtroom drama where the jury is drawn from members of the audience, a situation which guarantees a different ending based on how the audience perceives the 'testimony' given by the characters.Another aspect that makes this play unique is that there are few, if any, truly likeable characters.In trying to determine if the murder victim was killed by his wife or his lover, the reader may find it hard to like or believe either woman.

The second play, "Ideal", is the weakest of the collection, in which a beautiful Hollywood star is suspected of murder and seeks refuge from the police among a variety of her fans.All of these fans have written her letters pouring out their souls and their devotion to her, but all fail her in the end.It is a clunky piece, with descriptions, plot devices, and numerous location changes which makes it hard to picture this play being performed on stage, perhaps one of the reasons it was never produced.

The final play, "Think Twice", is described as a philosophical murder mystery, and plays out like a closed-room mystery, where almost everyone in the house is a suspect.The course of the play examines whether what a person thinks and says matches their actions.It doesn't flow quite as smoothly as "Night of January 16th", and would lend itself well to some modernization if it were ever to be produced.This collectin of plays is helped tremendously by explanations from the author herself, especially regarding "Night of January 16th", which offer insights into what she was hoping to achieve with these plays.

A court-room thriller, a murder mystery and a miss
This omnibus edition contains the scripts to Ayn Rand's three stage plays: "Night of January 16th" (1933), "Ideal" (1934) and "Think Twice" (1939) (the latter two plays were never produced and are reprinted from "The Early Ayn Rand"). These are some of Rand's earliest works and are uneven in quality, but are still interesting reads, particularly for an Ayn Rand completist.

"Night of January 16th" is a court-room thriller with a twist. Rand wrote two endings to this play, one where the defendant is found guilty, and one where the defendant is found not guilty, and a jury made up of audience members decides which is used. The court case itself centers around Karen Andre, a woman who may have murdered her married lover or who may have merely been trying to stop him from committing suicide, when she was seen fighting with him on a 50th storey balcony. According to the play's introduction, written by Rand, the evidence for and against Andre is meant to be balanced, so that the verdict of the jurors is based on the juror's values rather than any solid evidence. After reading the play, I can't see how anyone could possibly have found Andre guilty and this has nothing to do with my values at all. Andre is clearly meant to embody Rand's philosophy and in my opinion, all of the evidence is stacked in her favour. However, according to Rand, when this play was performed only about 60% of juries voted for Andre's acquittal. Go figure.

"Ideal" is the weakest of the three plays in this edition. When the play commences, it appears that Hollywood goddess Kay Gonda has just murdered a man and is on the run from the law. During the course of the play she visits six of her fans, who superficially share her high (Objectivist) values with her, seeking assistance and instead discovers that each of these people is more than willing to betray these ideals. I am not surprised that this play was never produced. For starters, it has far too many speaking roles in it to make it financially viable (over 23 roles in total), but also, it's repetitive and boring. The same thing essentially happens six times (Kay Gonda visits a fan, finds them to be a disappointment and leaves) and after the second or third time, I just lost interest.

"Think Twice" is described on the back cover as "philosophical murder mystery" and is the best of the three plays. It was written several years after the first two plays and by the time Rand got around to this, her writing had improved considerably. In this play Rand manages to both outline her philosophy (it is this philosophy that is the motive for the crime) and to write a pretty good murder mystery that kept me guessing right up until the end. I am surprised that this play was never produced because it is much better that "Night of January 16th", which actually was produced.

Overall, these are not Rand's greatest work. If you are new to Ayn Rand, I recommend starting with either "The Fountainhead" or "Atlas Shrugged". However, if you have already read all of Rand's other fiction, these play are well worth reading.

Great plays
Any Rand has been overlooked the past few years - she no longer appears on reading lists and I dont think her philosophy is covered in college courses. That is too bad - she is a great writer and her philosophies are worth exploring.I did not know she wrote plays, so I was surprised to find this book. I read the first of three, entitled Night of January 16th.It is a great play with an interesting twist.She wrote it so when it is performed, 12 people from the audience become the jury - their desicion affects the outcome of the play.I think that is a great idea and I wish someone would produce her work.I recommend this to anyone who has read anythig by Rand and is looking for some new material to study.Her writing is, as always, on point and her ablility to make a play needs to be explored more often.I hope more people read it and take a liking to her novels. ... Read more

Product Description
Ayn Rand made a profound impact as both a philosopher who founded a school of social thought, Objectivism, and as a novelist of penetrating insight and vision. Her works are founded on heroic ideals, demonstrating the maxim that, "man’s ego is the fountainhead of human progress."

The photos and illustrations in this volume have been hand-selected from the Ayn Rand Archives, and most have never been published. They include personal mementos of a Petersburg childhood, her family and their home on Nevsky Prospect; photos from her early years in America; personal papers, including her list of the twelve publishers who passed on The Fountainhead; original newspaper articles, film posters, notes, drawings, and much more.

In a recent poll conducted by the Library of Congress and the Book-of-the-Month Club, Rand’s Atlas Shrugged was voted the novel most influential to American readers. This latest volume of the acclaimed Overlook Illustrated Lives series gives her legions of fans an unprecedented chance to better understand the author they adore. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Another quick reference guide by OVERLOOK PRESS
This book is part of a series of small books published by OVERLOOK PRESS. Each book is written by a different author that specilizes in the various 'poets-writers-philosophers', as stated in each title.

I own several of these OVERLOOK PRESS books and I love them all,but note that this is only my personal opinion.

Please read my brief explanations as to why I enjoyed these OVERLOOK books....

~~~ First, I must point out that these small books are not complete biographies on the subjects. Rather,these books are short reference guides on each subject. (Great for beginners wanting to have a basic knowledge of each specific poet-writer-philosopher).

The most wonderful thing about each of these OVERLOOK PRESS books are the photos. Each book begins with the writer's early life, supported by wonderful photos (eg: where they were born, what their families looked like, etc). Then the chapters move on to explain the writer's basic philosophies.

Next, the OVERLOOK books recount some of the most famous (well-known) experiences that each writer experienced throughout their lives.

Lastly, each book gives a time-line of the writer's lives in an appendix towards the end of each book.

For example, this book I'm reviewing here is about AYN RAND.

Ayn Rand was a highly complex individual, and very difficult to pin down in one small book. Her philosophy (Objectivism) is difficult to explain in a few short chapters of a small book like this one. Therefore, if a reader is interested in reading specifically about Objectivism, then it would be best for them to buy a philosophy book on the subject first, before buying this brief OVERLOOK PRESS book.

However, if the reader is interested, as I was, in buying a book on Ayn Rand,...a bookthat shows what she looked like throughout her life and explains some basics about her life, then this book will not dissappoint.

Ayn Rand broad-brush portrait
Slim, broad-brush portrait of Ayn Rand in words and numerous photographs in the "Overlook Illustrated Lives" series of biographies.The writing is too sympathetic, not surprising given that the author is the archivist at the Ayn Rand Institute, and unintentionally humorous in its over-the-top breathlessness, as in this description of the 12-year-old Ayn:

"The [Russian] revolution was her first confrontation with the 'ethics of altruism' (the view that service to others is the highest moral virtue), which she rejected instantly as an attack on men of 'intelligence, ability, and heroism.'"

Still not bad as a brief introduction to Rand's life and writings.As a lightning rod either adored or rejected, it is hard to find good, objective, not objectivist, writing about Rand.Other books I've read (that don't measure up that well, either):

The Ayn Rand Cult
The Passion of Ayn Rand

Your best bet is to skip the apologists and antagonists and go straight to the sources of all the anguish:

Atlas Shrugged
The Fountainhead

Ayn Rand's Life In Brief
Jeff Britting (archivist for the Ayn Rand Institute) has written a brief (135 pages or so) biography of Ayn Rand.The book contains dozens of photos so you really aren't getting anything close to a full-scale biography.The book is less hagiographic than you might expect given Mr. Britting's employer--Rand isn't so much praised as her flaws ignored.The split with the Brandens is mentioned, but their importance on her philosophy neglected.

Well-written, succinct, accurate
I approached this book with a bit of trepidation but was pleasantly surprised. Britting has written a succinct, accurate, and appropriately inspiring precis of Ayn Rand's life. His formula is pretty simple: he sticks scrupulously to the facts, and puts them in their proper perspective. You couldn't ask for more in 134 pages. In addition, the book contains some gorgeous photographs (of St. Petersburg; The Fountainhead dust jacket portrait of Rand; of "Galt's Gulch" in Colorado), and is chock full of intriguing trivia that I hadn't encountered (or dreamed of) in two decades' study of Objectivism: who knew that E.L. Doctorow wrote the ad copy for "For the New Intellectual"; that Rand's favorite painting was Dali's "Corpus Hypercubus"; and that she opposed Japanese internment during WW II?

I also think that Britting's treatment of Rand's HUAC testimony and her association and eventual break with the Brandens is a model of lucidity and fairness. He presents the facts in a way that is favorable to Rand, but the facts he presents are undeniably true and relevant to any judgment one might make about Rand on those issues. I don't see how one can call this "hagiography" unless, of course, one begins with an a priori animosity against Rand (and in favor of Lillian Hellman, the CPUSA, Josef Stalin, the KGB, and/or the Brandens) and wants to see that animosity expressed in print.

As I lack the relevant animosity, I don't see hagiography here; I just see a book well worth reading, and at a bargain price.

Filling in the details
Rand was rather circumspect about her life, preferring to let her philosophy be demonstrated through her characters. What biographies there are come from the dubious sources of Nathaniel and Barbara Branden, who are responsible for both the hagiographic Who is Ayn Rand? and the highly critical Judgement Day and The Passion of Ayn Rand. But a reliable biography is a good source: less subject to manipulation, it is a more honest, realistic depiction of a philosophy than a character whose circumstances can be rigged to cast them in the best possible light.

Jeff Britting was an associate producer of the documentary Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life and took the accompanying photographs from the Leonard Peikoff-controlled Ayn Rand Archive, so he has a potential bias as well, though it doesn't particularly show.

But enough talk of biases. This book starts from the very beginning and fills in much detail about Rand's early life, back when she was still Alisa Rosenbaum and living in St. Petersburg. After the scant coverage in the above-mentioned biographies, it's hard to believe that such details are even available, discussing her relationship with her parents and sisters and providing photographs of her birth certificate, the building her family lived in when she was born, and numerous family photos. Fans probably know that her first fictional hero was a character named Cyrus from a boy's magazine of adventure serials. Britting fills in details about how she came upon Cyrus and even includes a drawing.

Such details and illustrations continue throughout: Rand at university, complete with her application photo, a picture of Lev Bekkerman, her first romantic interest, Rand in her museum guide uniform, and her desperation with her ideals conflicting so painfully with the Soviet police state. Even her parents realize that she can't survive for long unless she can get away.

The opportunity opens up in 1924, with an invitation from a cousin of her mother's in Chicago, and the scheming begins: her mother and sisters take politically correct jobs and endeavor to lead exemplary communist lives, all so that Rand can get a passport and leave the country. In early 1926, she manages to do so, shouting to her parents as the train leaves Leningrad, "By the time I come back, I'll be famous!"

The rest of the story is more familiar from the other biographies: moving to Los Angeles, meeting Cecil B. deMille and Frank O'Connor, and beginning her writing career. But the marvelous images continue: Rand's own sketch of Frank, deMille's handwritten access pass for Ayn, and her green card.

I could go on and on about little revelations here and there, but I'll flip quickly to the end, where toward the end of her life Rand begins writing her own screenplay of Atlas Shrugged. One depicted sheet shows thoughts she had on the casting, including such names as Martin Sheen (as Eddie), Tom Skerritt (Francisco), Ned Beatty (Taggart), Kate Jackson, and Julie Christie (no parts suggested for the women).

Some bits are certainly glossed over, such as Rand's affair with Nathaniel Branden (mentioned but only very lightly and that it was with the consent of all concerned), and the mistreatment of her husband that the Brandens allege. However, those have been covered in gory detail elsewhere, and this is a brief biography.

But, brief though it may be, it manages to cover a great deal of ground in a mere 118 copiously illustrated pages. This is a must-have for any Rand fan. ... Read more

Product Description
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.Containing excerpts from all her novels--including Atlas Shrugged, Anthem, and We The Living--The Ayn Rand Reader is a perfect introduction for those who have never read Rand, and provides teachers with an excellent guide to the basics of her viewpoint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Reading Ayn Rand
I am an objective Ayn Rand reader. All her books inspire thought. Even when my newly acquired 'English' was so meager I still enjoyed Fountainhead (my first encounter with her works). She has remarkable insights to the workings of society however her emotional side lacked substance. Still, 70% of her teachings are completely valuable and can only enrich your existence. Her teachings are in the form of story telling which keeps you interested in her philosophies. Give her a try with her Ayn Rand reader, you will be impressed.

This book should be read by ALL.
A truly great condensation of Ayn Rand's work. It should be read by EVERY AMERICAN. Then go on to read other Rand books. The best way to understand what is going on with our government, most of which makes no rational sense.

Wanted to read more
I agree that some of Ayn Rand books are lengthy and it's overwhelming to think about reading 1000 pages.However, I found that in reading the fewchapters of the selected books that I wanted to read more of each individual book.Reading only a few chapters of several books wasn't satisfying.It's better to buy the whole book from the start.

Must Read clarifies Barry Obama,s strategy
The rebirth of our economy is JOB ONE and the principles enumerated in this compilation is food for the RIGHT and a good recipe for Barry

Excellent Synopsis of the Wisdom of Ayn Rand.
Pseudo-sophisticated philosophers beware!"Edited by Gary Hull and Leonard Peikoff, here is a rare and illuminating glimpse into the legendary writer's (Rand's) evolution as an artist and philosopher."With that bold statement from the back cover of the text dangling as a morsel of hubris so as to hook the buyer; The Ayn Rand Reader certainly does make good on the promise.

Whether you are seasoned reader or a neophyte into Rand's writings this text delivers the main points of her Objectivist Philosophy in a survey style covering her observations, feelings, and convcitions regarding Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics, and Esthetics.Ayn Rand was an impassioned proponent of reason, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism; as such she deserves to be called the greatest philosopher of the Twentieth Century and arguably of all time.

Persons genuinely interested in Rand or simply curious about her doctrines will not be disappointed with this text.I rate it at five stars with no reservation.



... Read more

Product Description
The stunning centennial editions of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, featuring the artwork from the original first editions, in a collectible boxed set. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Ayn Rand Centennial Collection Boxed Set: Atlas Shrugged & The Fountainhead
I am in awe of Ayn Rand's talent. Atlas Shrugged is the BEST novel I've ever read. And I've read many, many books, both fiction and non-fiction. Atlas Shrugged will remain my favorite novel for the rest of my life. The presentation of what would become Objectivist philosophy is masterful and easily understood within the novel. And the philosophy is so appropriate as an antidote for the times we live in.

I have now purchased many of the other Ayn Rand books and look forward to reading them. ... Read more

Product Description
In the tumultuous late 60s and early 70s, a social movement known as the "New Left" emerged as a major cultural influence, especially on the youth of America. It was a movement that embraced "flower-power" and psychedelic "consciousness-expansion," that lionized Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro and launched the Black Panthers and the Theater of the Absurd.In Return Of The Primitive (originally published in 1971 as The New Left), Ayn Rand, bestselling novelist and originator of the theory of Objectivism, identified the intellectual roots of this movement. She urged people to repudiate its mindless nihilism and to uphold, instead, a philosophy of reason, individualism, capitalism, and technological progress.Editor Peter Schwartz, in this new, expanded version of The New Left, has reorganized Rand's essays and added some of his own in order to underscore the continuing relevance of her analysis of that period. He examines such current ideologies as environmentalism and multiculturalism and argues that the same primitive, tribalist, "anti-industrial" mentality which animated the New Left a generation ago is shaping society today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

The only argument against "modern" political ideas, written 30+ years ago!
Have you thought, when hearing your friends fall blindly for the latest global warming hype, or hearing your professors disparage the American White Male as the cause of all the world's problems, that there is something terribly wrong with their positions?But have you found it difficult to argue effectively for your side because, no matter what facts or logical argument you raise, they respond with "facts" of their own and a "logical" argument that just doesn't seem right?

Ayn Rand is a master at uncovering the philosophical premises that are behind modernist fads like environmentalism (of course back then it was the next ice age, not global warming!), progressive education, racism, gender studies, etc.The ideas in Ayn Rand's Return of the Primitive and other books show the rottenness of many of the terrible ideas that are a part of our culture and will not only help you to understand and argue for better ideas but will arm you with principles against accidentally accepting the terribly mistaken philosophical premises that are behind them.

Beware of Chaos and Destruction in the Front Yard
Return of the Primitive is a well-written, well-structured work of literature that revisits, repeats and updates the viewpoints of Objectivist ethics and the merits regarding laissez-faire capitalism. Several passages will often come from Rand's earlier work, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal but with a contemporary brandishing of reflection and reaffirmation of Rand's philosophy, some of which would come from Rand's latter volumes of her Objectivist Newsletter, the earlier of which established the framework of Capitalism.

While The Virtue of Selfishness, Rand's introduction to her Objectivism, has the reader to consider the importance of self-awareness and the pursuit of happiness and while Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal postulates the type of money market system that would comply with merits of rational thinking and achievement, Return of the Primitive seems to weld tightly together the themes of both of these earlier nonfiction publications. With additional commentaries and chapters that would be contributed by Peter Schwartz, Chairman of the Board of the Ayn Rand Institute, several years later in this updated edition, Rand's Objectivism now has a distinctive, twenty-first century ring in the realm of property rights Why? Because the frequent reporting of the Hurricane Katrina aftermath and the recurring disputes of raising the tax base via eminent domain seem to render the words of Rand and Schwartz as prophecies for what would happen if the rights of the individual, personal or property, are undermined in the slightest way in the name of the so-called "public good". As Rand would state: the public good is not any specific person or people. So just what is it? Blank out!

Also included is a passage written by Rand over thirty years ago that one might label as an ominous warning (though I do not believe that it was intended as such) of the deficiencies of multiculturalism, a topic that only Schwartz would specifically identify and attack. Within these words, Rand, admitting that she did not do thorough research on the matter, let the reader know that after having travelled the world over she believed that countries that had only one nationalized language were the most productive, both socially and economically. It is understandable that any American, including myself, who would read these lines would begin to wonder about what is going to happen to the United States; more specifically, one might ponder on whether the increasing presence of illegal foreigners is going to drastically diminish the dominance of the English language and, in consequence, cause declines in technological innovation and production to the extent that the world's wealthiest nation will soon lose its standing as such.

As a key strength of this work Rand reinforces her Objectivist ethics, not just by revisiting her earlier works, both fiction and nonfiction, but also by attacking leading academic institutions for having their philosophy departments espouse what she deemed as ideologies that were irrational and whose ultimate consequences, if not underlying goals, were destructive to the essential foundations of establishing or maintaining a civilization. Of those particular subjects despised by Rand is Kantian Nihilism, which Rand regarded as damnable in the sense of undercutting rationality, meaning, and reason, all of which were her central themes in constituting what is a purposeful, human existence.

Intermittently, Rand would cite passages and news events that she would claim were the fruits of Kantian Nihilism and were thus antitheses to her Objectivist ethics. Among the mentioned were the Berkeley student riots in 1964 that led to the types of disorderly conduct which she said opposed and undermined the very merits of academic excellence and, more importantly, the laws and ordinances set up so as to affirm and maintain those same standards. Another case in point was the behavior of the crowds at Woodstock (I will admit that I liked the music and the movie) which, she said, served as a definitive paradigm of Kantian Nihilism; prevalent were wild sex orgies among strangers, drug overdoses, continual wallowings in mud and feces, riotous behavior resulting in varying levels of destruction to others' property (thus property rights), and the need for food and water by those who ended up starving and dehydrated because they did not plan ahead and consider potential troubles that could and would lie ahead, all of which, figuratively speaking, amassed one big festival of animals ready to be sacrificed to the gods of Nihilism.

Quite graphic are some of Rand's accounts. Nonetheless, she was quite effective in equating the Objectivism/Nihilism duality with that of order versus chaos or of structure versus destruction.

Return of the Primitive is a well thought out exposition of why one must not cave in to outside pressures at mere whims. Where religious dogma and "Just Say No" fall far short of equipping one to walk the straight and narrow, the passages of Return of the Primitive will expose one to the consequences of the aimless and wide and why this alternative pathway is so horrendous.

In closing, for those wondering where their part of the world is philosophically and sociologically situated, I will leave you with these few words from this most valuable reference on living: "As Ayn Rand said:'The uncontested absurdities of today are the accepted slogans of tomorrow'...Appeasement is not consideration for the feelings of others, it is consideration for and compliance with the unjust, irrational feelings of others. It is a policy of exempting the emotions of others from moral judgment, and of willingness to sacrifice innocent, virtuous victims to the evil malice of such emotions."

A very insightful look at several aspects of our culture!
In this book Ayn Rand looks at numerous aspects of our culture from Woodstock and the space missions to public education and relates them to various philosophic principles.She shows not only how irrational the current left-wing philosophy is, but also how it is now morally bankrupt, especially compared with 'the old left'.Despite the colossal failure of socialism time and time again, modern liberals- to this day- continue to idealize it, even the horrors of the former Soviet Union.Just look at the book 'In Denial: Historians, Communism, & Espionage' by John Earl Haynes and Harvey Klehr.Or look at the cover story "Missing the Good Old Soviet Days" in the March 8th, 2004 Los Angeles Times.

This is a new release of the classic "The New Left: The Anti-Industrial Revolution" with a few additional pieces by Ayn Rand and a few new pieces by Peter Schwartz, a contemporary Objectivist.The new book offers better organization of the content, and the new essays clearly illustrate how the trend continues with Environmentalism and Multiculturalism.

Communally shared confusion
Even from an early age, I was distrustful of the glory others saw in something like Woodstock, for instance.I remember thinking that there was something terribly wrong about hordes of unwashed stoners swaying together in a field of mud to the sounds of musicians who, shortly after, began dropping like flies from gnawing at handfuls of drugs.So this is the enlightenment we've all been overlooking?It just never seemed to make a lot of sense to my young mind.

Now, of course, I can see what was so vacant in the notion of everyone joining together, taking several steps backward into the dark ages, tossing material comforts out of the window and wallowing in a mud pit to the sounds of 'revolution' with thousands of chronically-unemployed fiends. Namely:

-If someone can afford to pitch a tent at a rock concert for days on end, you can be sure that some 'prude' or 'unenlightened' person, namely, a parent, is paying for their folly.I just could never convince myself that taking money from someone in one hand and flipping them off with the other was consistent enough to earn my admiration.

-Listening to howling revolutionary inanities calling for a 'return to nature' through a microphone connected to a 5 million dollar sound system, and not falling down in laughter at the contradiction, is apparently confusing only to those who don't have peppermints for eyes.

-The unfolding philosophical and moral blackhole left in the wake of people like David Crosby who, after years of free-basing & drinking himself into liver-eroding blindness....all the while caterwauling songs about how screwed-up everyone else is....required a liver transplant.Why he didn't go to the river Ganges and find a fakir to do this remains a mystery, but here's one thing that is right out there in the open:he took a liver that someone who had the misfortune of being born with a liver defect could have used.He got one, though, and we get the payoff of suffering another decade of painfully repetious reunion shows featuring three wasted, jaded old men screeching "Teach Your Children".Thanks for the advice.

Anyway, buy this book.....Peter Schwartz also has some good essays toward the end.

People Mistake "Egoism" for being Anti-Love.
I notice, reading the reviews of those that "hate" Rand, that they often say that Rand's philosophy of selfishness is 'destroying western civilization' by insisting people not care for others. What a horrible misunderstanding this is. Those who believe as much have not spent any good amount time reading Rand's works.

Rand is not against love and compassion. Indeed, Rand's philosophy is supportive of such emotions, as well as charity. The difference is that Rand supoorts THE INDIVIDUAL'S CHOICE to love, care, and contribute.

Rand's philosophy is completely compatible with a compassionate society. She simply maintains that it is individuals, not the government, who should choose to help others. She argues, quite clearly, that it is each person's choice to "give" and not the government's choice to "take" charity.

Why do so many people on the left try to jump on Rand and make her into a demon? There is NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING in the philosophy of Objectivism that states that one MUST NOT show charity, compassion, or carring. It simply argues that such choices should be the decision of the individual, based on what the individual finds important, as opposed to guilt, regulation, or government sanction.

I have a dear friend who is an Objectivist, and he is one of the most giving people I know. Guess what, he just doesn't want the government to force people into "giving." There is another word for forcing someone to give. That word is "theft."

Stop complaining and attacking Rand. Just because you disagree doesn't mean you should mis-state what Rand stood for. Otherwise you can count yourself among those enlightened souls who call all Democrats Communists, all Republicans Nazis, and all bums "lazy."

This is a fine book. Rand is a fine thinker. You may disagree with her thoughts, but that doesn't make them wrong. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

A Mind Out Of Focus
Ayn Rand was a thinker whose ideas ranged from the insightful to the ill informed.Occasionally she says something interesting and you think she had a unique ability to get to the heart of the matter.Other times, you shake your head and ask yourself how could someone be so misguided.I don't have a good explanation for why this is the case, but if you want to see Rand's mind *not* at work, her "marginalia" (comments she wrote in books she read) is the place to start.

Part of Rand's problem is that she is intent on misreading and misinterpreting what others write.She thinks she knows that an author means better than he does.At times, her misunderstandings border on the bizarre.For example, she comments on von Mises's work HUMAN ACTION.For page after page, Rand misconstrues what Mises said.(At one point she even "corrects" his definition of money.I'd like to see *her* 500 page treatise on monetary theory.)In one section, Mises discusses the Austrian concept of "the sovereignty of the consumer."This idea means that in a free market economy, businesses must produce and sell what consumers want if they are to stay in business.If consumers want dishwashers and porno mags instead of Beethoven CDs, then that's what will be produced.If you think about it, this is a powerful argument against socialism and government planning.The economy is already "planned" by consumers who vote with their dollars.Do government bureaucrats know better what consumers want?Yet Rand will have none of this.She goes into a tizzy about the term "sovereignty."It has"altruist-parasite implication[s]."It turns people into "slaves" of the "whims" of the consumer.

Even worse is Rand's misunderstanding of C.S. Lewis's work THE ABOLITION OF MAN.Lewis makes the point that planners use the power they have gained from science to dominate man.He concludes that any power won by man is also a power over man.Rand goes bonkers and comments "So when you cure men of . . .[diseases] - you make them weaker!!!" Uh, that wasn't exactly his point.She even accuses Lewis (an Anglican) of wanting science subservient to the Pope!

The most of obvious question is why would Ayn Rand's estate publish stuff which makes her look like something of a, well, loon?As the editor Robert Mayhew (a professor philosophy at Seton Hall) admits, Rand never imagined that her jottings would be published.Incredibly, Prof. Mayhew, while conceding the harshness of some of Rand's comments, says there isn't one case where what Rand said was "unfair."He even holds Rand's comment about C.S. Lewis that I quoted above as an example of her "matchless mind in action."

I like Ayn
As a fan of Ayn Rand, I'm tired of it feeling like a "guilty pleasure" to like her.

Every time I come out of the closet about my affection for Rand, it turns out bad, because I have to defend or at least explain the silly bunch of humorless crackpots that the Peikoff Factory keeps churning out. It's like being a Christian trying to explain away the Inquisitors.

Rand was frequently ridiculous, often pathetic, and permanently out-of-touch with her own internal emotional realities. (Come on, after the Branden affair, can even her most ardent followers deny that she was a little screwed up in the bedroom?).

She reminds us all just how hard it is to not be full of it when your emotions are involved, especially if you pride yourself more than anything else on not being full of it.

Rand was still a great human being, and I wish I'd known her personally. She might not have liked me, but I like her. She remains a great litmus test. I've observed that people who react to her like vampires to garlic are usually about as judgmental and arrogant as she was, just not as bright.

Still, it would help me a lot if you true believers would stop trying to mimic her pejorative style. Your constant overuse in ordinary conversation of words like cowardice, evasion, appall(ing/ed) immoral, depraved, etc. is like 4 year olds trying to swear. When Ayn smote the wicked, it was magnificant, but you guys couldn't smite your way out of a wet paper bag.

Oh, and please, nobody come back at me with any form of the archetype of Randian smite-speech: "there (is/can be) no greater (depravity/crime/abdication/evasion/immorality) than to...."

I swear I've heard you people use that phrasing for every thoughtcrime from putting up with your born-again sister-in-law's preaching without humiliating her at Thanksgiving dinner, to liking Elvis (it doesn't matter which Elvis, they're all depraved, you know).

And while I'm at it, you all can quit recoiling in horror every time you read something you don't agree with.

I just re-read Atlas Shrugged again for the first time in 20 years. Pretty cool book, and it helped me come up with a new drinking game. Start reading the book, and every time you find the word "torture" in a love scene, you get to take a shot. You can stay drunk for a week!

Rand never looked worse
I agree with other "negative" reviewers who regard this work as embarrassing.This book ends up making Rand look very bad indeed.In note after note, she seems determined to misunderstand, distort, even re-writewhat she is reading.If I were the executors of Rand's estate, I wouldhave burned these notes.To publish them to the world is practicallyscandalous.

A negative review with my name on it
I don't know what "cowards" that other reviewer has in mind, but there are several negative reviews here with the reviewers' names on them -- including an earlier one from me that has scrolled off the page. Maybethe anonymous reviewers just don't like getting spammed by angryObjectivists; me, I collect that stuff. The really choice examples I postto discussion lists so everybody can see them.

As for this volume itself,it's a collection of rather embarrassing marginal notes from some booksthat Rand attempted to read. Unfortunately she read them as though theirauthors were using terms with the meanings _she_ assigned them, andtherefore often misunderstood them. (As I and other reviewers have noted,her misreading of Ludwig von Mises' "subjectivism" is a very goodexample.)

It _is_ possible to support this contention by argument andexample. But this review board isn't a discussion list; reviewers here postfairly brief opinions, not lengthy, thoroughly argued essays. Objectivistswho expect otherwise, and then criticize only the _negative_ reviewers fornot giving all their reasons, are simply revealing their ownbiases.

Intellectual cowardice, indeed. I think that charge appliesrather to Objectivists who respond only with insults when their guru iscriticized. But please, keep those insults coming; sooner or later,_everyone_ will know just how centrally important reason and rationalityare to Rand's devoted followers.

cowardly critics
It's very nice to see all of the critical comments on Rand backed up by nothing in terms of substance.Indeed, the reviews are almost akin to, "I don't understand Rand but I shall say she is bad regardless." I don't blame those of you who identify yourselves as "A Reader"rather than leaving your email addresses and names.I would expect no lessconsidering the intellectual cowardice within your reviews. ... Read more

Product Description
In an astonishing personal journey that spanned much of the twentieth century, Ayn Rand transformed herself from a shopkeeper's daughter in communist Russia into one of the world's leading advocates of laissez-faire capitalism. The author of two popular novels, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Rand remains a compelling and influential figure two decades after her death. Objectivism, the controversial philosophy she built upon the tenets of reality, reason, and self-interest, is still passionately debated. Ayn Rand and Business interprets the fiction and philosophy of this self-proclaimed "radical-for-capitalism" for today's business reader. Rand's life and work offer insightful lessons for managers, traders, and entrepreneurs. The novelist-philosopher's three values and seven virtues of Objectivism provide a virtual blueprint for building a successful career. Rand's ideas about the force of innovation, the employer-employee relationship, and the critical need for long-term vision and purpose are as relevant as the latest business news headlines. Read Ayn Rand and Business and find out why Rand's ideas continue to matter in today's business world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

The Best BusinessBook I have Read in Two Years
I read A LOT. A friend bought me this book just before I left on holiday for Cuba, and I read it in the last socialist bastion in the world. If you're in business, this is the book that most clearly defines the ideal philosophy for entrepreneurial success. I have read and loved all Ayn Rand's books, and this one really puts everything into perspective. Get a philosophical "check-up from the neck up" and share it with your partners and associates. If they don't love this book, they're probably not ideal business partners! Easy, fun read, that reveals any roadblocks in your thinking.
Robin J. Elliott www.DollarMakers.com

Useful but slanted
This book does a decent job of showing how application of Ayn Rand's philosophy can improve your performance at work and your company's performance, but the authors have some incorrect notions of the scope of Ayn Rand's philosophy and it's proponents.The book can best be enjoyed by skipping the first section of the book which doesn't really pertain to the subject of the book.For the essence of her philosophy, I'd recommend Ayn Rand's "For the New Intellectual".

Excellent Intro to Rand
This book is an excellent introduction to Rand's philosophy examined from the point of view of its applications in business. Not a how-to, really, but a good launching point for further study and consideration. Well-written and very readable.

Insightful!
Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism celebrates the underlying principles of capitalism: reason, independence and just plain selfishness. Donna Greiner and Theodore Kinni lay out the fundamentals of Objectivism and attempt to describe how you can integrate its beliefs into your life and your business. The book is written in the spirit of Rand's own outlook: It is anchored in practicality, well organized and goal-oriented. Even so, some executives might lose patience with the philosophic nature of the work. We advise such readers to move on. However, we from getAbstract recommend this book to intellectually curious readers in search of a moral, ethical, or even philosophic foundation for their business life.

APPLIED OBJECTIVISM
When I first scanned "Ayn Rand and Business," I was a little skeptical about where this book was going and where its authors were coming from. But after reading it, I say it is stupendous.

I'd subtitle it "Applied Objectivism," in the same sense that one would speak of applied electronics where principles are applied to create all kinds of devices and equipment run by electricity. "Ayn Rand and Business" applies the principles of Objectivism to the business of marketing, capitalization, management, customer service, etc.

The book presents a brief biography of Ayn Rand covering her years in Russia, her coming to America, her struggles, her triumphs, the Objectivist "movement," that started with NBI (Nathaniel Branden Institute), the 1968 "break" between Branden and Rand and the ensuing excommunications, schisms and rifts that led to the sad decline in the "movement" and the quantity of her writings. 

But, more importantly, the focus of the book is on the application of Objectivist principles to business life. (And to personal life, which comes before but also runs parallel with business life.) The authors take the Objectivist values and virtues, explain them so very clearly and illustrate them with concrete examples how they apply in the business world. They use characters from Ayn Rand's novels as models, but they also use real-life business people who practice these virtues and values.

Their presentation of Objectivist principles is clear and concise. This is not a treatise, but outside of thebusiness focus, the book could be considered an excellent introduction to Objectivism. They deal with all of the heavy philosophical subjects and issues in what we used to refer to as "layman's terms."
 
You don't have to be a philosopher to understand Ayn Rand. Her writing is crystal clear. Nonetheless, jumping into metaphysics and epistemology cold turkey may not be the best way to get an introduction to Objectivism or any other philosophy. When, as a kid, I startedto read about relativity and physics, many books that put those ideas in "layman's terms" were invaluable. "Ayn Rand and Business" does this superbly. 

Fans of Ayn Rand and long time readers will find nothing new, philosophically, in the book though they should be impressed by its clarity and thoroughness in explaining Objectivism. I would particularly recommend it to people who show an interest in ideas and who might be prime candidates to become Objectivists. And because it is focused on Objectivism in business, I would highly recommend it for such prime candidates in the business world. 

It's not clear where the authors discovered Ayn Rand. The biographical information is silent on this subject. But it is obvious from the sources they cite and the bibliography that they know their subject. They quote from virtually every book, article and newsletter Ayn Rand ever wrote. They appear to have read every book by or about her and Objectivism.

The only flaws I see in the book are in editing. In several instances, needed words are missing or the wrong words are used. Additionally, there are a couple of instances where the wording of a sentence initially gives the opposite impression than that intended. And it is incorrectly stated that "The Objectivist" preceded "The Objectivist Newsletter." But the errors, except for the last one, are obvious to any reader and do nothing to detract from the content.

Overall, the book gets my highest rating. For a book written so clearly and favorably about Objectivism, by two people apparently unknown in the Ayn Rand "movement," to suddenly appear on the scene is remarkable. It's something to be celebrated and is an indication that, more than anything else I've seen, Objectivism is breaking through to and is reaching the common man who Ayn Rand correctly remarked is not so "common." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

El Manantial
Para mi, haber leido El Manantial, fue observar en accion el tipo de caracter y los valores esenciales que un individuo debe adquirir para alcanzar sus metas.El observar como el principal protagonista(Howard Roark)lucha en su batalla por defender sus valores mas altos... Supo activar en mi neuronas, que provocaron un desplazamiento de ideas y emociones tan intensas... como nunca antes habia experimentado... Esta novela le abrio la puerta a mi mente al hacerme comprender el valor del individuo como un ser heroico.Que el Grito Sagrado tomara la accion de traducer 2 de las novelas de Ayn Rand es prueba de que en un futuro la filosofia objetivista ocupara el primer lugar en la vida de cada ser humano, como tal se lo merece.

Gabriela Vasquez ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (14)

Ayn Rand walks into a gallery, the abstract horse says, "...
...Who is she... some sort of joke?"

2 amateurs attempt to re-write art history to honor their chosen savior.
This grand embarrassment of a book is not humanist in the least. It closes off opportunities and possibilities, attempts to squelch the unstoppable creativity of art in the last 75 years, and proposes a recipe limiting that which by nature is unlimited. Its claims against art are as delusional and grandiose as the illusion of expertise by its authors.
The tremendous lack of understanding and misreading of modern and contemporary art it pukes forth is as laughable as its complete ignorance about postmodernism.
Read it for a laugh if you have time to waste, but in the end you'll know the verdict on this bile loud and clear.
"Nay." (plop, plop. plop.)

Ayn or Mine?
That Russian-born novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand (1905-82) had some profound insights into esthetics I do not doubt, based on my evaluation of her other writings and especially the depths of her published insights into current "artistic" practices -- which have only become more pronounced since her death. That Mr. Torres and Ms. Kamhi would be highly qualified to comment on Ms. Rand's esthetic ideas I also have little reason to doubt, primarily based on their (sporadic and all-too-infrequent) publication of the art journal Aristos. But I found `What Are Is' -- nominally Torres' and Kamhi's magnum opus on Rand's definition of art and philosophy of esthetics -- curiously wanting in several areas and read more like a series of (albeit interesting) articles rather than a comprehensive work. Given Ms. Rand's rigidly integrated view of this subject matter I found this disorganization curious and ironic.

Not that the authors don't score some serious points, if nothing else for tackling Rand's still-highly-relevant definition of art, not to mention how the willful ignorance of definitions and concepts have turned the current artworld (the authors gleefully use this fabricated compound word) into a chamber of absurd horrors. The first third of this book plunges headlong into Rand's published works and statements on esthetics, covering concepts familiar to readers of her philosophy including psycho-epistemology, sense of life, and art and cognition. Herein lies the meat of the book: the authors clearly show both Rand's strongest strengths (e.g., the role of concepts and values in esthetic appreciation, why photography can't be defined as art) and weaknesses (e.g., the inclusion of architecture as art against her own definition) on the subject and -- unlike many of Rand's followers -- pull no punches when they find her self-contradictory, flippant, or even needlessly extreme. Reasoned, calm and objective critiques of Rand -- on any subject -- are painfully infrequent and Torres and Kamhi deserve high praise for giving her ideas the critical respect and attention they deserve.

When they turn to applying Rand's ideas and their own critiques to the current state of the arts, however, the authors lose their momentum. The clarity evident when discussing Rand's ideas flags noticeably throughout the balance of the book (vaguely titled "Extension and Application of Rand's Theory") when they turn their attention to the modern artworld in all its absurdities: from the roots of abstract "art" in the early 20th century to the current pastiche of "art is what any artist says it is." While their attack here should be painfully easy, the authors are handicapped by indecision--applying Rand's ideas where applicable but also throwing in their own (often unsupported) notions as well. I was often left wondering whose voice was taking a stand; this ambiguity was doubly frustrating when the authors propose a brilliant concept of their own (e.g., dubbing the aforementioned art definition by fiat the "authoritarian theory of art"). Simply put, I couldn't tell if they were "extending" Rand's ideas or "applying" them. I would assume both, but too often they came across with neither.

Nevertheless, `What Art Is' provides a strong riposte to the current comical state of the fine arts. The search for clear, consistent definitions is more than welcome and the authors go to no small trouble to show how Rand's theories provide an excellent guide. If they had had the gumption to form their *own* ideas based on the solid foundation Rand built -- rather than selectively and confusingly applying the two - their work would have been a more reliable guide.

This book should be called "What Art ISN'T"
I never agreed with the theory of Ayn Rand to begin with-- I thought she was just a mean, selfish, self-centered person to begin with. This book just proves my point even further. The book seems to focus more on what Rand believes is NOT art than what art actually IS. I find the writing style to be quite boring and drawn out, as well. I'm not any established art scholar (as I'm sure Torres and Kamhi are), but this book is just downright boring and offensive to those in the world (including myself) who consider themselves to be artists in fields that Rand doesn't consider to be art.

WOW!
My response to this work is captured in the title of my review. Torres and Khamy have achieved a level of scholarship in What Art Is that no other writer on the aesthetic theory of Rand has accomplished in the twenty years since the author's death. I would rank it along with Sciabarra's monumental Ayn Rand the Russian Radical. It's enormous accomplishment will keep Rand studies alive and bring her fame. Like Oscar Wilde she set out on her literary career either to be a writer or to become notorious. Notorious is mostly what she has become. Despite anyone's personal views on Rand's aesthetic theory whether completely sound or not, these authors have demonstrated that what they are going to be known for is EXCELLENT scholarship. This book has enough reference and bibliographical material to baffle any academic, and their grasp of the areas that are relevent to Rand scholarship is enormous! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what the work of a genuine scholar is. Jacques Barzun got it right, if these authors are students of his, they deserve the highest marks.

Surprisingly good, despite some flaws
I did not expect to like this book. Rand's esthetics are the part of her philosophy I find most deplorable.And although Torres and Kamhi are not slavish admirers of Rand who follow her every word, I can't say I cared much for their dreary essentialism.Rand was part of the Aristotlean tradition in philosophy.Her philosophy is more telogically centered than the naturalism of the pre-Socratics or modern science.It also embraces a form of "methdological essentialism," as the philosopher Karl Popper dubbed it, which I find hard to take, especially in strong doses.Methodological essentialists stress the importance of "What is" questions and the definitions of words.Torres and Kamhi, like Rand herself, are uncompromising definition mongers and "what is" analyzers. But I don't think esthetic questions can be solved by answering such questions as "What is art?" or "What is literature?" or by claiming that the bad, non-representational art of modernism and post-modernism is not really art at all, but a kind of fraudulent non-art pretending to be art.Torres and Kamhi stress the importance of defining art, but I have little use for this mode of analysis.Emphasis on definitions simply leads to hopeless arguments about words.I would much rather know why some works of art are successful and some not than know how art should be defined.Art is far too complicated to be summed up in essence of some definition.What I want to know is how does this or that piece of art function aesthetically, and if it functions well or poorly, than why?Science and naturalism emphasize "why" and "how" questions.This is what I would have liked to see from Torres and Kamhi.But being from the Socratic/Aristotlean tradition in philosophy, they have a different methodological point of view on this matter, one I find hopelessly inferior to the methodological nominalism of the sciences.

Nevertheless, despite these criticisms, I urge all those who are interested in art to read the book, regardless of what they think of Rand.The book is written on a much higher level than most pro-Rand books that are published nowadays.Torres and Kamhi, unlike Rand's orthodox disciples, at least are sound scholars with an appreciation for empirical evidence and close logical analysis.They are fair to opposing viewpoints (unlike Rand herself, who treated opponents as if they were sub-human), and they provide an excellent overview of the excesses of modern and post-modern art.Merely as a phillipic against bad art (or, as the authors would insist, "non-art"), I would give this book a five star rating.But because of the methodological essentialism, I have to drop it down to four.The emphasis on definitions really can get annoying. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

near collectable quality
Although this was a birthday purchase for my son, he reports the quality of this item far exceeded his expectations. This vendor can be trusted to deliver a superior product. I was not supplied a tracking number by Amazon, but by the time I got around to checking into that, the books had been delivered to the third party address. Overall a satisfactory shopping experience.

Awesome Book, a must for any business person!
Atlas Shrugged is one of the most important books that one could read to better understand how capitalism works, why it works and why it is so important for our success.It is amazing that this book was written two generations back, however, when you read it you will feel it was written yesterday!Ayn Rand certainly captures the true essence of capitalism, the true meaning of it, and why we so much embrace it!

Not the conservative anthem it appears
Read deeper and you will find that Atlas Shrugged has NOTHING to do with conservative politics.Ms. Rand would despise the current climate and I beleive would applaud President Obama as a man of rational thought and intelligence.The current thugs who rant against the President prove my point.The moochers and leeches all seem to gravitate to the pundits and lash out with "feelings" and what they "want".The President uses logic and does what is right, not easy, not popular, he is rational.Ask who is John Galt?I say President Obama is closer than any conservative.Read without the bias.Read with rational thought and logic.This is an anthem to the individual.To always exhalting our highest, best self and to trusting our own judgement over anyone elses.Who asks us to do that?President Obama.Who tells you what to think, how to live and what to believe?Limbaugh, Palin, Beck, O'Rielly...they are the ones who are ruining American, and undermining rational thought.

A literary and philosophic masterpiece
I just re-read Atlas Shrugged, which gets better each time, and can say with certainty that it is the greatest achievement in history, in part because it provides the fullest identification of what makes all the others possible. It is a hymn to unfettered human intelligence.

It is also the most spiritually rich work of literature I have ever read. A lot of people are turning to it now because of its prescience, but its description of political control and economic collapse are not what's most important (Rand herself, far from aiming at being a prophetess, regarded as one of the novel's strengths the fact that it wasn't even particularly realistic but rather her most fully Romantic work). In an interview with the author of one of the recent biographies of Ayn Rand, Jon Stewart winkingly referred to her novels being filled with lots of "dirty, dirty sex." Those are, in fact, the best scenes. Francisco and Dagny learning together about the wonderful pleasure their bodies can give them the summer after she begins her first job on the railroad as night operator of the Rockdale station; her affair with Rearden beginning at Ellis Wyatt's house after their first run on the John Galt line; and, of course, the encounter in the underground tunnels of the Taggart terminal...it simply doesn't get any better than that. Sure, Rand was prescient---because she identified clearly what certain principles would mean in practice, principles which are now being implemented. But she was much more concerned with what might be and ought to be.

Objectivism at its finest
First of all, I would like to say that this is my favorite novel as it brings such simple explanations and themes so something as dumbfounded as 50's America.
The novel has characters that personify class and cultures as Rearden personifies a hard working individual with many people leeching off his hard work and riding the gravy train so to say.
I could sit here and write pages of review to this book and the way Objectiveness helps justify economic issues as well as social ones. But I consider this book a powerful tool to understanding human nature. Weak people may do things for selfish reasons and out of fear - we can see this in everyday life. If someone took away all your fall backs and your supports could you stand up on your own? ... Read more

Product Description
Machan's book explores all the major themes of Ayn Rand'sphilosophical thought. He shows the frequent strengths and occasionalweaknesses of Rand's mature philosophy of Objectivism, drawing on hisown, and many others', discussion of this challenging and iconoclasticthinker's ideas. Machan's treatment of Rand is a welcome addition tothe growing literature of serious scholarship on Rand's philosophicalwork. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not very informative
I gave it such a low score not because the book is badly written, or one cannot understand it, but rather because it is not very informative and I'm not sure to whom is it addressed.

If you are already have an interest for Objectivism or Ayn Rand, and might want to learn somewhat deeper into the subject, this book won't help you much. It is an introduction, but since it rarely explains where the claims of Objectivism comes from that it is not a very useful introduction. In this case one might do better going directly to another book.

If you are like me, and you only want to read one book on Objectivism because it was brought up in a conversation or something similar, this book will probably not satisfy you, since again, it makes claims that are not even remotely backed up.

The author spends most of the book saying that Rand gives way to an objective moral and ethical system. To me that sounded like the most interesting part of Objectivism, and yet the author never stops to explain how this is so. I wouldnt have expected the full outline of such a system in an introductory text, but it would have helped if even a little of the path was shown, or even delineated. Instead we are asked to believe (with no reason for it) that this is so, and we are kept this way through the whole book.

All in all, I found the book disapointing, and it was unable to answer my passing curiosity on the subject. If you are more interested on the subject, I would also recomend that you go for another book where a more indepth analysis is shown.

Hastily put together but rather friendly and interesting
"Rand's Objectivism, of all the schools of contemporary philosophy, may well be the one that holds out the best, most ..........." Tibor R. Machan

Unlike most independent Ayn Rand scholars, who tend to consider themselves as superiorprofessionals correcting the childish blunders of an incompetent amateur,Tibor Machan, as the above quote suggests, is a respectful commentator whocorrectly recognizes that Ayn Rand was a major philosopher and that most ofwhat Randian scholars today can hope to accomplish is to polish up someaspects of her philosophical system, develop new applications of it andconfront the latest batch of criticisms from academia. As far as hispersonal philosophy is concerned, he seems to have accepted most of thefundamentals of Objectivism, and in most contemporary philosophicalbattles, he is generally on the right side, defending free-will againstdeterminism, ethical cognitivism vs. non-cognitivism, the free society vs.welfare statism and marxism, and the morality of business against leftistand conservative smears. I would therefore consider him an estranged friendof Objectivism, to be distinguished from the self-styled "sympatheticobservers" of the philosophy who in the next breath call Rand apseudo-philosopher.

Unfortunately, Machan tends to suffer from a lack ofsystem and hierarchy in his writings, and nowhere is this clearer than inthe present book. Compared to Peikoff's *Objectivism: The Philosophy of AynRand* or even Gotthelf's *On Ayn Rand*, which are beautifully structuredand clearly distinguish fundamentals from derivatives, Machan's *Ayn Rand*is much less integrated and systematic.

This lack of system of courseneed not be a reflection of Machan's own mental functioning, even though hedoes have a penchant for pluralism and eclecticism, but is probably due tothe way the book was put together: *Ayn Rand* is essentially a disjointedcollection of articles previously published in various reviews, newslettersand books. Chapter 4, "Rand's Rational Individualism", forinstance, is a slightly edited copy of chapter 10 of *The PhilosophicalThought of Ayn Rand*.

Machan's lack of enthusiasm for philosophicalhierarchy does sometimes affect his conclusions, though. For instance, whenhe states that "in some parts of his moral philosophy and in politics,Kant was closer to [Rand's] own ideas than are most otherphilosophers" (p117), he clearly shows his rejection of theObjectivist tenet that one cannot understand a statement out of the wholehierarchy of a man's philosophical ideas. This may also explain why hefeels sympathetic to the libertarians and leans to the "moraltolerationist" wing of Objectivism.

Anyway, I do recommend this bookas a good overview of Objectivism, and perhaps as a better *introduction*to this philosophy than Gotthelf's very compact volume (though the latteris a more reliable statement of the content of the philosophy). Machan makes interesting comments on the distinction between derivation anddeduction and he identifies a few contemporary philosophers whose views arevery similar to Objectivism. His more haphazard reflections on"Problems Left for Objectivism" however suffer from a lack offamiliarity with the more recent taped material and simplemisinterpretations of Objectivist tenets. (For instance, though he has read*We The Living*, he asks: "Cannot a work of art be quite excellent,yet... sad? Tragic?", perpetuating a common caricature of theObjectivist esthetics.) Finally, I must say I found some of the statementsin the book cryptic or highly dubious: "Rand's foundationalism can becharacterized as post-epistemological" or "Rand's approach isalso consistent with... an (almost) anything-goes, (almost) Feyerabendianlaissez-faire attitude towards the methods of factual investigation".

Best Book on Rand
This is the best introduction to Ayn Rand available.Because Prof. Machan was never a member of Rand's inner circle, he can write freely on her philosophy and discuss its strengths as well as weaknesses.Nonetheless, Prof. Machan clearly admires Rand and considers her an importantphilosopher.

There are a number of merits to this book: (1) Prof.Machan provides a clear overview of Rand's position on most philosophicalquestions, placing prominence on Rand's axiomatic concepts; (2) the bookcontains a solid discussion of Rand's works; and (3) chapter 7 - on variousquestions that Rand failed to consider - is excellent.

There are someweaknesses to the work as well. First, Prof. Machan doesn't spend enoughtime on Rand's theory of concept formation, which her followers consider hegreatest contribution to philosophy.Second, he is too kind to Rand whenit comes to her often unfair and inaccurate attacks on other philosophers. While he says that Rand caricatures other thinkers, the fact is that Randhad little knowledge of the history of philosophy and her discussion ofother philosophers is simply pathetic.Anyone who doubts this should readher essay, "For the New Intellectual." Third, like many of Rand'sadmirers, Prof. Machan overestimates Rand's originality.The fact is thatmost of Rand's ideas can be found in other writers.

In spite of itsflaws, this is generally an outstanding book.I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Product Description
A remarkable series of lectures on the art of creating effective nonfiction by one of the 20th century's most profound writers and thinkers-now available for the first time in print.

Culled from sixteen informal lectures Ayn Rand delivered to a select audience in the late 1960s, this remarkable work offers indispensable guidance to the aspiring writer of nonfiction while providing readers with a fascinating discourse on art and creation. Based on the concept that the ability to create quality nonfiction is a skill that can be learned like any other, The Art of Nonfiction takes readers through the writing process, step-by-step, providing insightful observations and invaluable techniques along the way.

In these edited transcripts, Rand discusses the psychological aspects of writing, and the different roles played by the conscious and subconscious mind. From choosing a subject to polishing a draft to mastering an individual writing style-for authors of theoretical works or those leaning toward journalistic reporting-this crucial resource introduces the words and ideas of one of our most enduring authors to a new generation. Amazon.com Review
In The Art of Nonfiction, Ayn Rand spends six pages explaining why something she wrote about the launching of Apollo II is far superior to something Loudon Wainwright wrote about it; throughout the book, she uses her own work as examples of exemplary writing. Somehow, though, Rand's robust ego is less unbearable here than it is in, say, her Art of Fiction.

This book is a frank demystification of the writing process that originated as a series of lectures given in 1969 to friends and other potential contributors to Rand's magazine, The Objectivist. "Any person who can speak English grammatically can learn to write nonfiction," Rand declares. All you need "is what you need for life in general: an orderly method of thinking." Rand values clarity above all else in nonfiction writing, and it is her own clearheadedness that makes this book appealing. Within these pages, Rand discusses subject and theme, audience, philosophy, outlines, writing, and editing. She takes swipes at The New Yorker for its "'brilliant' essays that say nothing," and at William Buckley, whose "trademark is to use words he probably spends half his time looking up in the dictionary." She rails against disruptions ("When I was writing Atlas Shrugged, I accepted neither day nor evening appointments, with rare exceptions, for roughly thirteen years"). And she is an exacting taskmaster who demands that you not choose a lesser aspect of a subject than "the deepest one that interests you and that you can do." Finally, says Rand, you must write from a position of complete confidence and omnipotence. "While you are writing," she says, "you must be God's perfect creature (if there were a God)." --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

brilliant mind of ayn rand
this is no ordinary book about writing non fiction.ayn rand is a gifted thinker. this book will uncover things you do not find in other similar title books or even college text books.read this book and discover for yourself.this book is about a brilliant mind sharing her ideas that will blow your mind.highly recommended.

Many excellent ideas
Ayn Rand, the famous author of Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead and other books, and the founder of the philosophy of Objectivism, offered oral lectures to her followers on the art of writing nonfiction. Robert Mayhew rearranged the tapes of these lectures into a readable and helpful guide for writers and readers of nonfiction.
Rand stresses clarity more than anything else. Writing skills, she says, are not mysterious. If people follow about a dozen rules and practice writing, they will write competent articles. Writers need to focus on their subject and theme. Then, before writing, compose an outline of what they intend to say.
The subject must be stated simply, preferably in a single sentence. "I am going to write about... ." The theme is "What do I want to say about my subject and what is new about what I am saying?"
Beginners must use a written outline of what they want to say and how it will be presented. Even experienced writers need an outline; however, it can be mental. The outline should address what their audience is interested in reading.
Rand emphasizes that ideas come from the subconscious, Once writers know what they want to say, start writing and "let the words come automatically. Do not think over your sentences and do not (stop and) censor yourself...trust your subconscious. Give your subconscious the standing order that you are concerned only with your subject and the clearest presentation of it possible, and let that be the absolute directing your writing." Then, "In editing, you do the opposite: the dominant process involves your conscious mind."
Rand emphasizes that the style and rhythm of writing is also subconscious, and is frequently ruined by conscious attempts at improvement in the initial process which should only be to get the ideas on paper.
Rand mentions many things that authors should avoid. Writings should not be filled with generalities; it needs specifics. Readers should be able to see what you are mentioning through details, rather than being told about it. Writings should not preach, say something in a complicated fashion, and use hundred dollar words, pejorative adjectives, sarcasm, inappropriate humor, bromides, and unnecessary synonyms.
Rand spices her book with examples from her writings and includes many interesting thoughts, such as: "the whole history of philosophy is a duel between Plato and Aristotle." Plato's thinking was somewhat other-worldly and mystical, while Aristotle, like Rand, focused on the facts of this world.
Ayn Rand followed her teachings and presents a clear, detailed, down-to-earth guide for excellent writing.

Seminal TextFor Writers
Ayn Rand is one of the foremost communicators of our time.Her ability to communicate complex issues cogently, logically and passionately means that, decades later, her works are still being sited as `the text' to read, in politics, philosophy or morality.Clarity, integration and style are thoroughly discussed. The advice given here applies to all non-fiction writing (see also her book on fiction writing The Art of Fiction: A Guide for Writers and Readers) and it's not the usual recycled blurb.Rand's method of thinking, led to her method of writing and style.This book lets you into some of those secrets and allows anybody to improve their writing skills.

You cannot stop a bandersnatch.
I was rather impressed with what Rand had to say about writing and style.As the authoress of the second-most influential book ("Atlas Shrugged"), she has a lot to say on the matter.And, as always, you cannot stop a bandersnatch.

There are some preliminaries. First, as with all of her writings, this book's ideas are outgrowths of her philosophy of Objectivism. For Rand aficionados, you know that it keeps cropping up with everything that she writes.So if you either agree with her, or are willing to plow around it, then get this book.

Second, this book is really edited selections from a longer seminar she had on writing.If the discussion seems out of joint at times, it is due to the selecting/editing process.To help round out here ideas, I suggest reading "The Art of Writing Fiction" and "The Romanic Manifesto," all of which were extracted from this same meeting.

Rand is one of the finest systematic thinkers ever, and this book shows it.She is able to take something apart, separate, correlate, and analyze the parts, and then put it back together again.

By being so analytical, she gets the writing process right.The first five chapters are really the basting cap essential in explosive writing.Writing can be simplified by preparation, organization, and thinking, which is the message of these chapters.

Chapters 5 through 8 cover the more traditional nuts and bolts of writing.Chapter 5, on creating an outline, is the key link between thinking and writing.She is right when suggesting that everyone writing nonfiction should use an outline.It organizes both the mind and the writing.I was glad that the editors included some sample outlines of Rand's writing, to watch how the process proceeds from outline to full article.

I think out of all of the chapters, "Writing the Draft" was the most helpful.The editor subtitled it "The primacy of the subconscious."This highlights Rand's point that writing is really something that comes spontaneously form a disciplined mind.Furthermore, the chapter contains several subsections on "The Squirms," helpful mulling, euthanizing pet sentences, and handling interruptions.

This last point cannot be emphasized too much: writing is a job, and it takes concentration. Rand likens it to heating a blast furnace--you work up to a high temperature, and that temperature must be maintained for weeks to get the desired results.While writing "Atlas Shrugged," she had to sequester herself for thirteen years.

I have a similar experience while writing.People visibly see you clacking on the computer, but what they do not see is the amount of focus inside your head, invisible to your eyes.So they want you to answer the phone, run this errand, baby-sit, chat, paint a house, watch some idiotizing program on TV, or come in on your day off because so-and-so called in sick so they could stay home watching some idiotizing program on TV.You need to be as harsh with writing as you would with your bill-paying job.Indeed, a good writer sees writing ASA SECOND JOB!

The last chapters are a potpourri of topics that did not fit in either "The Romantic Manifesto" or "The Art of Fiction."They are helpful for what they are, but seem a bit out of place and curt. They serve as surveys to the topics.

The only critique I have would be rearranging the chapters. Move chapter 12 ("Acquiring Ideas For Writing") up between chapters 1 and 2, since the thinking process--the process of reverie and listening to the unconscious percolate--precedes the choice of a subject and theme.I would also move chapter 11 ("Selecting a title") to go after chapter 7 ("Editing"), and moved chapter 8 ("Style") between the chapters on writing the draft and editing.Since this book was edited posthumously, this organizational error is not hers.

Here is my ideal order:

1. Preliminary remarks
2. Acquiring Ideas for Writing
3. Choosing a Subject and Theme
4. Judging one's Audience
5. Applying Philosophy
6. Creating an Outline
7. Writing the Draft
8. Style
9. Editing
10. Selecting a Title
11. Book Reviews
12. Writing a Book
Appendix:Outlines

For a second or third reading, it may be helpful to use this order, since it follows the process of thinking-writing-rewriting.

*

I have put this book in my mix of style guides, and will read it along with Strunk and White, Trimble's "Writing With Style," The Chicago Manual, and "The Little, Brown Handbook."

(I would rate it five stars, but the disordered chapter organization talked me out of it.)

Excellent guide to writing
This book offers guidance on a variety of topics and problems that a writer of non-fiction, whether articles or books, might encounter. The advice is never formulaic, but rather gives the reader methods by which to improve his own writing process and style. Highly recommended. ... Read more