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This remarkable, newly revised collection of Ayn Rand's early fiction-including her previously unpublished short story The Night King-ranges from beginner's exercises to excerpts from early versions of We the Living and The Fountainhead.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
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
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 (2)

An interesting moment in the Rand legacy
This is a decent enough book, & well worth reading for anyone with an interest in Ayn Rand, even if it's no more than a curiosity about the author of The Fountainhead.

As an historical work, however, this book nearly balances the later books from the Brandens -- The Passion of Ayn Rand, and My Years with Ayn Rand -- which were written after a painfully protracted (and somewhat tawdry & childish) falling-out. Those latter titles, while interesting & occasionally even informative, are dripping with venom, & could have benefitted from the hand of an editor with some (ahem) objectivity.

I have a degree of long-term respect for what Rand attempted to do, & this book reflected the woman who, just before she died, denounced Reaganomics as a travesty, not at all reflecting her ideals. I was tempted to give this only 3 stars as it was written in the "adoring sycophant" mode (particularly Ms. Branden's "biographical study," the tone of which would make a Sun Myung Moon blush), but the Brandens don't entirely bury the history in adoration.

Still, I can't help but wish that the Brandens would, by now, have put aside their feud with the dead Rand & published an overview of Rand & an historical evaluation of her beliefs. They were key insiders during the rise of Objectivism, and, if they could have let the wounds heal, would no doubt have provided an important historical document.

Until some such thorough, balanced work appears, this book is all we have.

Good Overview
This is a tremendous overview to Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. Nathaniel Branden has particularly skilled ability to explain this very important view of the world. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This edition of It Usually Begins With Ayn Rand contains much of the text that appeared in the original edition—revised and edited to conform to modern style—plus new chapters dealing with events that took place after the book was first published. Some of the new material deals with my campaign for Governor of New York as the Free Libertarian Party candidate, a discussion of events that transpired on the American political scene after that benighted campaign, plus thoughts on my current political and spiritual leanings. The perennial success of It Usually Begins With Ayn Rand has startled no one more than me. Sales started slowly, then began to pick up over the years, until the book became an underground classic that has gained readership over the decades. It should be read as political memoir, a first-hand account of a political movement, mostly fact, but with fictional elements and hyperbole added for effect. A reviewer once said that most memoirs are neither fact nor fiction; they are the truth as the author remembers it.

Customer Reviews (5)

Thomas Pynchon meets the CATO Institute
This is a freewheeling wacky spiel about one man's place in an unwieldy political movement, where each and every person is an island unto his or herself. On the left, there are student anarchists, on the right, a cadre of rock ribbed objectivists, and amid all this crazy ideological cross talk, Jerome Tuccille just wants to settle down and create a home for his people -- the sane, middle-of-the-road anarchist. Over the course of his wanderings, he butts heads with and attempt to extract himself from run-ins with the fathers and mothers of modern Libertarianism.

One particular scene, where a bow-tied Murray Rothbard walks into a ballroom full of startled anti-statist flanked by beaded and bearded hippies, NEEDS to brought to the big scene.

A funny, secretly serious book.

Atlas Guffawed
When I was a young man, I devoured all of Ayn Rand's works, and they helped shape the libertarian perspective I have today. When I got my hands on Tuccille's book in hardback years ago, I read it through in one sitting, lauging all the way. I was surprised and delighted to see the book back in print again; it was like running into an old friend one hasn't seen in a long time.

Who is John Galt?And does he have a sense of humor?
If you care about the history of the libertarian movement - and already know the names Ayn Rand, Nathaniel Branden, Murray Rothbard, and Karl Hess - then you're apt to find Tuccille's book an absolutely hilarious romp, as I did.

Unless, of course, you're an Objectivist fundamentalist of the sort who wears $-sign cufflinks, drinking Kool-Aid at the Fountainhead in Galt's Gulch while chanting the mantra "A is A."In that case, you just might fail to see the humor as Tuccille skewers your sacred cows.

If none of the foregoing means much to you, then chances are good that Tuccille's book won't either.Tuccille spins a fantastically funny yarn for those who already are intimately familiar with American libertarianism.Those who are not, I'm sorry to say, probably will find little of interest in the book.

Eric Alan Isaacson

Dull and cliched.
In my opinion Tuccille tags along behind Rand, mimicking her, but appears to have no original ideas of his own.Sorry is this seems harsh, but I cannot say the book is anything but a collection of ramblings by an average, run-of-the-mill Ayn Rand fan.Let's put it this way; if Ayn Rand was Baron Frankenstein, then Jerome Tuccille would be his faithful servant, Egor.The problem is that Egor is no Doctor Frankenstein, and Jerome is no Rand.

The best insider's look at the libertarian movement
Jerome Tuccille documents his journey from Ayn Rand to Goldwater to Rothbard -- and back, beyond, and in between.This is a hilarious book if one knows the names and ideas being discussed; a newcomer may want tofamiliarize himself with names like Murray Rothbard, Karl Hess, Nathaniel& Barbara Branden, Leonard Liggio, Henry Paolucci, and the like beforereading this book.Tuccille combines fiction and fact -- with muchexaggeration -- to document the young libertarian movement from themid-fifties to 1971.If the sequel is ever finished, I hope it can matchthis great book! ... 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

Customer Reviews (8)

Mildly Interesting
THE AYN RAND COLUMN is a collection of columns that Rand wrote for the LA Times in 1962.It also contains a number of other essays by Rand which, for the most part, haven't been published.Even longtime fans of Rand will find something new here.

No doubt Rand's uncritical admirers will insist that "the material is just as timely now as it was in 1962" but quite a bit of it is dated.Nonetheless, the book has its merits.Rand was a good writer and these columns highlight her ability to write short, punchy pieces that get to the point and occasionally make insightful and important points.There are also no diatribes against religion, "mysticism," religious people who worship death, etc. that tends to mar her more serious philosophical essays.Rand claimed never to compromise, but she certainly knew her audience.

So chalk up a minor success for the Ayn Rand Institute.

A Truly Interesting Perspective
A long time admirer of Rand's work, I found this a refreshing perspective on her. While I'd come to know her characters and read her philosophical works, I really didn't feel I truly understood her until I read this book. I cannot compare it to letters or the like because I have not read them. But, this work is like looking in on practical applications of her philosophy. For example, her discussion of the value of Christmas to atheist such as herself is very enlightening. In addition, her discussion of the monopoly of force still rings in my mind years after I first read it. Being born in the 70's, growing up in the 80's & 90's, her philosophy brings me much joy compared to the pink socialism that I have seen throughout my life and been frustrated by. I think this work should be a supplement to any serious reader of Rand and would highly recommend this.

Rand Analyzes the Issues of Her Day in This Timeless Classic
What many regard as the most influential philosopher of the 20th century, Philosopher and Novelist Ayn Rand was known for crafting novels of Hugoesque proportions that presented the heroic elements of the ideal man, as well as writing epistemological treatises on the art of logic and the process of concept formation that focused on the most abstract and fundamental issues to man. In *The Ayn Rand Column*, Rand shifts to a different gear as she writes short crisp pieces on the current issues of her day.

*The Ayn Rand Column* contains over 35 pieces by Rand ranging from the brief, but concise pieces such as an "Introduction to Objectivism", "The Secular Meaning of Christmas", and "Why I Like Stamp Collecting" to the more lengthy "Textbook on Americanism", "Modern Management", and "The Fascist New Frontier." The collection also features an introduction by the book's editor Peter Schwartz, that helps ties the pieces together.

My favorite piece in the collection is Rand's "War and Peace" where Rand makes the case for why today's peace movements are *not* advocates of peace, but of gang-rule, statism, and thus dictatorship. Quoting Rand,

"Professing love and concern for the survival of mankind, these [peace] movements keep screaming that...that armed force and violence should be abolished as a means of settling disputes among nations, and that war should be outlawed in the name of humanity. Yet these same peace movements do not oppose dictatorships; the political views of their members range through all shades of the statist spectrum, from "welfare statism" to socialism to fascism to communism. This means that they are opposed to the use of coercion by one nation against another, but not by the government of a nation against its own citizens; it means that they are opposed to the use of force against *armed* adversaries but not against the *disarmed*..."

And after some discussion of the concretes events to support her claim, Rand concludes:

"...Let all those who are seriously concerned with peace, those who do love *man* and do care about his survival, realize that war cannot be outlawed by lawless statist thugs and that it is not war but *force* that has to be outlawed."

If I may make a brief philosophical assessment: Wow!

What is most illuminating about this collection is Rand's ability to dissect what, at first glance, appears to be a concrete, trivial issue--say the much-maligned "commercialized" gift-giving during Christmas--and shows how it relates to some timeless philosophical principle of vital importance (Sorry! You'll have to read the book for the principle). To use a popular metaphor, Ayn Rand was a woman who could see the forest (abstractions) for the trees (concretes), and vice-versa.

Though this book uses the issues of the 1960's to reveal the work of philosophy in action, it is of value to the modern reader of today, as the philosophical principles Rand elucidates are timeless.

Not bad at all
If you would like a quick, easy-to-read introduction to Ayn Rand's philosophy...if you would like to see how Ayn Rand applied her philosophy...if you simply would like a glimpse into the objectivist world,then this is the book. This is a compilation of numerous articles onvarious issues that touched America, including the death of Marilyn Monroe.Some of the articles may shock you, but all require a second read-through.Keep in mind, though, that Ayn Rand was a narcissist who had aclosed-minded view of who her followers were and who they weren't; thatprevented her from portraying objectivism for what it is -- a great"philosophy of philosophy," a method of interpreting humanactions and a guideline for having your own ideas.

More current events than philosophy, but still good...
As most of the essays in the book were written as newspaper op-ed pieces, they occasionally suffer from "current-itis"; i.e. they were designed with the assumption that the reader would have familiarity withthe events being discussed. To that end, I would recommend that people whowould like to get the most out of this book brush up a bit on theirearly-'60's history first.

With that caveat, however, I would stronglyencourage anyone with an interest in Ayn Rand's writing to read this book.It is a good example of how to put some of the more abstract parts ofObjectivist philosophy into real-world practice. Rand's book "TheRomantic Manifesto", for example, becomes more clear in the light ofher essay on the television show "The Untouchables".

Also, evenif one is not especially interested in period current events, there aresome essays of broader scope included after the columns. Of particular noteare her essay "The Fascist New Frontier" (an invaluable antidoteto the floods of Kennedy worship pumped out by the mass media), and herexplanation of why atheists can celebrate Christmas. I believe that bothlong-time Objectivists and people who are new to the philosophy can findsomething useful in this book. Furthermore, even if you have no interest inObjectivism, the book is still an enlightening look at a pivotal time inAmerican history. ... 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
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
Rand's life unfolds in images, dialogue, and music in this "loving--but not fawning--documentary look at this fascinating figure of the 20th-century intellectual life" ("The Washington Post"). 32 color photos. 125 halftones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

New Discovery
I had never heard of Ayn Rand till I spotted the DVD "A Sense of Life" in the local library the other day!!! I am a fan of documentary bios.,so wanted to take a look...film opened a new world to me...I had seen "The Fountainhead" with Cooper in the past..kind of a "soaper"...but this DVD brought a whole new perspective to me about a very interesting woman!!! I produce an access TV show where I live....I'm into film productions...found this a delight!!!

An inspiring look at a philosophic genius.
This book is a fascinating portrait of Ayn Rand.It shows in engrossing detail the depth of her thinking and brilliance of her philosophy, Objectivism.

As a companion to the Oscar-nominated movie this book is agreat coffee table reminder of one of the greatest accomplishments of the20th century; Ayn Rand's creation of a fully integrated, non-contradictorycode of morality.

<shrug>
The story of a woman who said she would stop the motor of the world - and didn't.

Glossy but dumb
A Child's Golden Book of Ayn Rand... Why in the world would someone take the time and trouble to publish a book without acquainting himself with the facts of his subject's life?This book is a superficial, riddled witherrors and worthwhile only for the photos.

A Celebration
Many in this review section argue about whether this book is biased as it doesn't show Rand's flaws, about whether objectivism is a cult, etc.

All of this misses the point.Whether or not she was a perfect person (ofcourse she wasn't), whether or not this book is biased (it probably is),Ayn Rand was right.Her basic philosophy was pretty much the only moral,consistent, and life affirming one ever produced (whether or not sheherself applied it perfectly).This book celebrates the only person everto figure it out, and express it eloquently.Whatever her flaws or thebooks flaws, the world certainly needs (not deserves!) this book more thanthe countless other pieces of garbage out there. ... 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
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
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

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
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
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