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Atlas Shrugged & The Fountainhead
Titles include Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead.
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First published January 1, 1995
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About the author
Ayn Rand
587 books10.4k followersPolemical novels, such as
The Fountainhead
(1943), of primarily known Russian-American writer Ayn Rand, originally Alisa Rosenbaum, espouse the doctrines of objectivism and political libertarianism.
Fiction of this better author and philosopher developed a system that she named. Educated, she moved to the United States in 1926. After two early initially duds and two Broadway plays, Rand achieved fame. In 1957, she published Atlas Shrugged , her best-selling work.
Rand advocated reason and rejected faith and religion. She supported rational and ethical egoism as opposed to altruism. She condemned the immoral initiation of force and supported laissez-faire capitalism, which she defined as the system, based on recognizing individual rights, including private property. Often associated with the modern movement in the United States, Rand opposed and viewed anarchism. In art, she promoted romantic realism. She sharply criticized most philosophers and their traditions with few exceptions.
Books of Rand sold more than 37 million copies. From literary critics, her fiction received mixed reviews with more negative reviews for her later work. Afterward, she turned to nonfiction to promote her philosophy, published her own periodicals, and released several collections of essays until her death in 1982.
After her death, her ideas interested academics, but philosophers generally ignored or rejected her and argued that her approach and work lack methodological rigor. She influenced some right conservatives. The movement circulates her ideas to the public and in academic settings.
Fiction of this better author and philosopher developed a system that she named. Educated, she moved to the United States in 1926. After two early initially duds and two Broadway plays, Rand achieved fame. In 1957, she published Atlas Shrugged , her best-selling work.
Rand advocated reason and rejected faith and religion. She supported rational and ethical egoism as opposed to altruism. She condemned the immoral initiation of force and supported laissez-faire capitalism, which she defined as the system, based on recognizing individual rights, including private property. Often associated with the modern movement in the United States, Rand opposed and viewed anarchism. In art, she promoted romantic realism. She sharply criticized most philosophers and their traditions with few exceptions.
Books of Rand sold more than 37 million copies. From literary critics, her fiction received mixed reviews with more negative reviews for her later work. Afterward, she turned to nonfiction to promote her philosophy, published her own periodicals, and released several collections of essays until her death in 1982.
After her death, her ideas interested academics, but philosophers generally ignored or rejected her and argued that her approach and work lack methodological rigor. She influenced some right conservatives. The movement circulates her ideas to the public and in academic settings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
December 4, 2013
The Fountainhead is one of the worst books I have ever read in my entire life. If Ayn Rand books were food, I wouldn't feed them to a starving dog. I'd say, dog, just lick your own balls. You'll be happier. Speaking of dog balls, man I'd rather sniff one than have to read this book again. What a piece of crap.
The meandering prose. The inability to grasp basic tenets of what it is to be human. And believe me, I've done my homework since reading the Fountainhead. Ayn Rand was a horrible human being. She went on the Donahue show in the 80's and proceeded to tell an audience they had no right to criticize her because this was "her" show. Yeah, man, I don't even know where to begin. She didn't endorse racism but said it should be legal in the workplace. She believed that corporations should have the right to do whatever they want to do. Well, that works out marvelously, doesn't it, Ayn! We did that and now we're on the verge of ecocollapse.
God, if I could only raise Ayn Rand from the dead so I could seriously smack her. And then I'd make her live in a slum in India. That would show her how poor people deserve to be poor. If there is any justice, this woman got reincarnated as a sweatshop employee years ago.
The Fountainhead's plot is simplistic, trite, incredibly naive, and ultimately the work of someone who is so jaded with herself she couldn't see that her ideas don't work on any viable level. The exact same, if not far more so, goes for Atlas Shrugged. Read these books to hate them, if for anything.
The meandering prose. The inability to grasp basic tenets of what it is to be human. And believe me, I've done my homework since reading the Fountainhead. Ayn Rand was a horrible human being. She went on the Donahue show in the 80's and proceeded to tell an audience they had no right to criticize her because this was "her" show. Yeah, man, I don't even know where to begin. She didn't endorse racism but said it should be legal in the workplace. She believed that corporations should have the right to do whatever they want to do. Well, that works out marvelously, doesn't it, Ayn! We did that and now we're on the verge of ecocollapse.
God, if I could only raise Ayn Rand from the dead so I could seriously smack her. And then I'd make her live in a slum in India. That would show her how poor people deserve to be poor. If there is any justice, this woman got reincarnated as a sweatshop employee years ago.
The Fountainhead's plot is simplistic, trite, incredibly naive, and ultimately the work of someone who is so jaded with herself she couldn't see that her ideas don't work on any viable level. The exact same, if not far more so, goes for Atlas Shrugged. Read these books to hate them, if for anything.
February 28, 2008
In my book, Ayn Rand still stands as one of the most powerful fictional writers capable of imbuing her work with philosophical ideals, and The Fountainhead is no let down. Yes, her characters can be a little one-sided, with unbending ideals they seem capable of upholding in the midst of the greatest strife. However, just being able to imagine and describe these kinds of intellectual pariahs and support their personas with such thorough background is a significant accomplishment.
The only point at which this became unwieldy to me was during one of the final scenes, when court dialog is used as a thin disguise for Rand to rail on about her ideals through her protagonist and to tie some of the final plot knots. Normally, this would have been fine to me, except this diatribe goes on for quite a few pages. I considered lowering my rating to 4 stars in light of this grueling scene, but in the end, even this faux pas is excellently written and well-supported.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy of self, individualism, and motivation. The only book in Rand's arsenal that tops this is Atlas Shrugged.
The only point at which this became unwieldy to me was during one of the final scenes, when court dialog is used as a thin disguise for Rand to rail on about her ideals through her protagonist and to tie some of the final plot knots. Normally, this would have been fine to me, except this diatribe goes on for quite a few pages. I considered lowering my rating to 4 stars in light of this grueling scene, but in the end, even this faux pas is excellently written and well-supported.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy of self, individualism, and motivation. The only book in Rand's arsenal that tops this is Atlas Shrugged.
April 12, 2008
This is an amazing, amazing book of thought. Through the novel Rand illustrates her philosophy of Objectivism. As an artist--and one who studied with architects--finding myself feeling like the black sheep in the lot most of the time, I was astonished. The Fountainhead articulated a lot of social and individual behavior that I have understood and also been frustrated by. The idea of the creative soul being genuine and self-directed as spiritual self-respect, driving against a crowd, against a society where self-worth is gained from outside praise, is an idea everyone should ponder.
REad this book! It will change your life! The way you look at others--why you find yourself impatient with insincerity and false social behavior, and the way you look at yourself. Integrity!
REad this book! It will change your life! The way you look at others--why you find yourself impatient with insincerity and false social behavior, and the way you look at yourself. Integrity!
June 7, 2011
I hate how cold the books are. Ouch. I don't think Ayn Rand ever hugged anybody. Its the best screening test I've ever come across. If you love Ayn Rand, its unlikely we'll ever be friends. I know, saves us so much trouble.
November 27, 2012
Picking up a battered old copy of Ayn Rand‘s "The Fountainhead" when I was twenty-nine was a life-changing experience that snapped me out of my routine-induced stagnation and reignited my thinking processes. Ayn Rand and I differ on many positions (big time!) but this tale of architect Howard Roark, the living embodiment of integrity, is a thrilling portrayal of what a human being is capable of becoming and creating. After reading this book, I put off reading Rand’s follow-up magnum opus, "Atlas Shrugged," because I wanted to delay the pleasure I knew I would receive from reading it. A couple of years later, I did read it; I laughed, I cried, I cheered. It was, in a word, awesome. Say what you want about Rand’s philosophy but give the lady her due—boy, could she write!
What I like about Rand's philosophy is her celebration of an individual's integrity, self-reliance and courage to follow his or her heart. What don't I like about Rand's philosophy? Just about everything else!
What I like about Rand's philosophy is her celebration of an individual's integrity, self-reliance and courage to follow his or her heart. What don't I like about Rand's philosophy? Just about everything else!
March 30, 2008
second (or third?) time around it's even more tedious. constant moralizing wears on me. i love the relentless faith in the individual, but the characters are so flat in order to hammer her political agenda, that the plot ceases to be entertaining and leaves me wishing i'd just read a paragraph summary of objectivism and spent the other 1800 hours reading something less redundant and more entertaining
March 29, 2008
I was very taken with Ayn Rand when I originally read her books. I still find her logic compelling, however, she never really understood that compassion can be part of enlightened self interest. Her characters are intentionally very hard edged and idealistic, I get that. The problem is, like all conservatives, she has no room in her view of life for people who are unable to care for themselves. I recently discussed this with a friend who believed that people should just all be responsible for themselves. If someone can care for them self, let them die. That is the message of Rand. The problem is, leaving these marginal people to die creates crime, a drain on our hospitals money (as they are currently paid) and many other social ills.
Why is it that supposed Christians think that Rand is so great? it is because most modern Christians have entirely forgotten about Christ and what he taught. I heard one man pushing a version of Christianity where Jesus was some sort of ass kicking biker who didn't care about the poor and weak and meek. He said that Jesus was really all about giving people hell and all this loving kindness crap was a giant load. He taught that Christians should be all about hate and contempt and violence.
Most of this kind of attitude comes from Rand and her ilk. Love your fellow man, but if he needs help, too bad. Praise the Lord.
Why is it that supposed Christians think that Rand is so great? it is because most modern Christians have entirely forgotten about Christ and what he taught. I heard one man pushing a version of Christianity where Jesus was some sort of ass kicking biker who didn't care about the poor and weak and meek. He said that Jesus was really all about giving people hell and all this loving kindness crap was a giant load. He taught that Christians should be all about hate and contempt and violence.
Most of this kind of attitude comes from Rand and her ilk. Love your fellow man, but if he needs help, too bad. Praise the Lord.
April 4, 2008
Only read The Fountainhead and it was horrible. Two stars is generous. I couldnt even make it through Atlas Shrugged. I love her book We the Living which I believe was her first novel and the nearest thing to an autobiography from her and I cannot believe the same author put out these two books. I don't really understand the hype over either one they are overdone and too long with no real point. The characters are not real to me just idols of the ideas in her own head. Both books are about a 'philosophy' and she should have stuck just to writing books on her philosophies cause these novels fell horribly flat.
October 2, 2007
Ayn (pronounced eye+n) Rand presents a lot of well thought out ideas regarding the weaknesses of society. Her ideology, although well-meaning, is thoroughly flawed. Her world exists in a vacuum where nothing happens that is outside of the control of man, and where a man creates his own soul. Despite that, I really like this book.
November 5, 2008
Finally. What, 2000 pages? 2 full years? These books deserve 4 stars because they shift your thinking. I look at factories now and I don't say "Ugly" but "That is the physical manifestation of man's brainpower."
They also shed light on the vicious "Robin Hood" myth: it is immoral to be wealthy, and perfectly moral to be poor and envious of the rich.
Further, it defines well what it is 'to be.' Ayn Rand defines "to be" (as a MAN) is to use your brain, to achieve, to aspire, to accomplish greatness. "Man as man."
The story is entertaining. It's a bit romantic in that there are clear heroes and villains and large dramatized themes.
My biggest disappointment is that she assumes she is right. There is no room for argument. In this way it feels didactic.
They also shed light on the vicious "Robin Hood" myth: it is immoral to be wealthy, and perfectly moral to be poor and envious of the rich.
Further, it defines well what it is 'to be.' Ayn Rand defines "to be" (as a MAN) is to use your brain, to achieve, to aspire, to accomplish greatness. "Man as man."
The story is entertaining. It's a bit romantic in that there are clear heroes and villains and large dramatized themes.
My biggest disappointment is that she assumes she is right. There is no room for argument. In this way it feels didactic.
November 24, 2007
Ayn Rand is by far one of my all time favorites. Although this book isn't my favorite of hers, this is a must read. It's all about a man who wants to stop the world, literally. Technology is great, but he's sick of the corruption. This book like most of Rand's is not for the faint hearted, it's 1168 pages, but well worth the time spent.
January 16, 2009
These books challenged many of my beliefs. They are a good read, even if you don't agree with all of her ideas. However, I don't understand why so many high schools have their students read them--the philosophies expressed are too big for people with so little life experience. If you read them then, pick up the books and try again. You'll understand this time.
March 1, 2008
Just don't get too brainwashed, ok?
July 14, 2008
I haven't finished reading this book yet (Atlas Shrugged) but can not say enough about it. Absolutely love it!! Everything I ever wanted to put into words is right there in the book. It's interesting especially to know that Ayn Rand has immigrated from Russia escaping communism. She did not even have to live in that socialist regime, unlike me, to know what it would be like. Some descriptions in the book, such as what happend when one factory went all socialist, is an embodiment of what the former Soviet society was. It's funny and it's sad and I wish everyone, especially people who constantly whine about everyone having to help others and other socialist garbage, would read this book first. When you are not responsible for yourself and your destiny, when you rely on society to support you, when you feel that it is your G-d given right to be taken care of by others, you are less than human.
So finished the book!! Expected the ending to be a little more dreary than it was, but then millions of people dying is of course a bit dreary. On to Fountainhead.
So finished the book!! Expected the ending to be a little more dreary than it was, but then millions of people dying is of course a bit dreary. On to Fountainhead.
May 22, 2008
I support the arts, but I don't think that people should suffer because of some artistic ideal. We are on this earth to be kind to each other, not to subjugate people. I think this book is a rationalization for abusing people so that a beautiful city can be enjoyed (mostly by wealthy people). Sure, a blue-collar worker might say, that's a great-looking building I just helped create, but if he can't pay for his kid's doctor bills, that's not right.
There were certain parts of the book where I was drawn into the plot, but overall, it is very repetitive. The characters are so unidimensional that they are not realistic and cannot engender sympathy.
It saddens me that Rand has so many supporters. I wonder if they enjoy this book because they can be selfish, yet falsely wrap themselves in the cloak of idealism. True nobility comes from making positive connections with people and protecting the earth. Trying to mold the world into a vision of beauty at any expense is harmful to people and our home.
There were certain parts of the book where I was drawn into the plot, but overall, it is very repetitive. The characters are so unidimensional that they are not realistic and cannot engender sympathy.
It saddens me that Rand has so many supporters. I wonder if they enjoy this book because they can be selfish, yet falsely wrap themselves in the cloak of idealism. True nobility comes from making positive connections with people and protecting the earth. Trying to mold the world into a vision of beauty at any expense is harmful to people and our home.
September 1, 2018
25% = 1 Star
This is one of those times when I know that there is something in front of me that I should be liking, but I don't like these books. I am either bored or irritated while reading. I refuse to like Rand's writing simply because she's a woman. There is worse writing on the planet so I don't mean to say that she is a poor writer. I mean to say that I do not enjoy her writing in any way. Very cynical, depressive, devoid, empty - I was interested in the general idea of these works however.
This is one of those times when I know that there is something in front of me that I should be liking, but I don't like these books. I am either bored or irritated while reading. I refuse to like Rand's writing simply because she's a woman. There is worse writing on the planet so I don't mean to say that she is a poor writer. I mean to say that I do not enjoy her writing in any way. Very cynical, depressive, devoid, empty - I was interested in the general idea of these works however.
March 16, 2022
About Atlas Shrugged:
In short, one of the most dangerous books ever written.
"There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs." —John Rogers
In short, one of the most dangerous books ever written.
March 14, 2008
i remembered having heard of "atlas shrugged" years before reading it. finally, my mother actually reco'd it to me and i bought it and loved it. it's not a short book but it's worth anyone's time.
the other book in this compilation of both Rand's novels is "the fountainhead" and it's just as good, if not better. perhaps my favorite book of all time. i own a early second edition that still contains the same errors as the first edition.
the other book in this compilation of both Rand's novels is "the fountainhead" and it's just as good, if not better. perhaps my favorite book of all time. i own a early second edition that still contains the same errors as the first edition.
May 8, 2008
Had she not given Greenspan his first sandpaper handjob, at least a hundred thousand foreclosures would have been prevented. Fiction is not a basis for economic policy. The end (hopefully not of America).
January 25, 2009
Like it or not, approve or not, agree or not, she understands why we are where we are. This from a Russian refugee who chose to name herself after her typewriter.
November 2, 2017
Inspirational
December 26, 2017
Hugely influential read. Would definitely recommend to teens and young adults.
December 19, 2024
Dec 2024: finished The Fountainhead
This book took me 2 months to slog through. The story itself and setting was pretty good but the focus was Rand's philosophy. So many long winded passages are dedicated to explaining and promoting that. Which (grossly simplified) says essentially that the most moral way to exist is for your own self and pursuits and desires. And being altruistic/living for others is bad. I don't agree but it was masterfully written to make this point.
Anyway I remember reading this book in high school for AP English and liking it.... but I will never read it ever again.
Jurys out if I'll ever get to Atlas Shrugged..... It's twice as long so probably: no
2.5⭐ rounded down
This book took me 2 months to slog through. The story itself and setting was pretty good but the focus was Rand's philosophy. So many long winded passages are dedicated to explaining and promoting that. Which (grossly simplified) says essentially that the most moral way to exist is for your own self and pursuits and desires. And being altruistic/living for others is bad. I don't agree but it was masterfully written to make this point.
Anyway I remember reading this book in high school for AP English and liking it.... but I will never read it ever again.
Jurys out if I'll ever get to Atlas Shrugged..... It's twice as long so probably: no
2.5⭐ rounded down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2015
If you think this book is about capitalism, then you're right. If you think Rand promotes capitalism, then you're wrong. All of her antagonists are capitalists and all of her protagonists are libertarians--plain and simple. These books put on display the difference between the reality and the ideal of capitalism just as most of the dystopian genre display the difference between the ideal and the reality of communism. Of course, a true libertarian functions best in an ideal capitalist economy, so the books promote capitalism slightly, but not in the form of greedy money-hungry second-handers like our current economy is criticized for. These books are hopeful and inspirational, because they instill the belief in the reader that if he or she works passionately for his or herself--not for greed or for any cause, but for the love of oneself and what one is capable of--then nothing else truly matters. This is capitalism at its best: libertarian capitalism and laissez-faire. If everybody worked on those premises, then greed would not define the economy. Capital is that which has value, hence capitalism is defined by what we place value in! If we place our greatest care and value in reason, ingenuity, and the achievements of man as individuals, then a healthfully balanced market will follow. At least, that's how I read it. In any case, the villains in these novels are consistently the people who are considered villains by socialists in society today, so I find it ironic to read comments raging against Rand's capitalism.
I love these books. I love love loved reading them, but I can understand why some people are put off by the length. There are several places where they break the rules of what makes a good novel by diving into long soliloquized treatises. I mean, it literally takes more than 3 hours to read the radio lecture bit. Couldn't Rand have just written that as a separate essay and paraphrased it in the book? I found that a bit distracting. In spite of that, I think these books are beautifully crafted and masterfully convey the vices of society.
If you are looking for a shorter way to hear a similar message, I think there are several books out there that touch on those topics. For example, I think The Stepford Wives (somewhere around 100 pages long) has a great depiction of the negatives of zombification of the producers and makers of the world.
What strikes me most, when reading other people's reviews of Rand is the lack of any mention of the love scenes! I think The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged may be some of the most beautiful love stories with the most meaningful and descriptive love scenes in literature. Having read a variety of books, from Jane Austen to E L James, I think it's safe to say that these love-making scenes are more tasteful, communicative, and passionate than most others I have read. The self-sacrificing nature of their love is both progressive and inspirational. It reflects their natures perfectly and reaffirms my belief in soul mates and love at first sight. In the lives of characters who constantly strive for perfection, why not achieve it in the emotional realm as well as the physical and social?
I love these books. I love love loved reading them, but I can understand why some people are put off by the length. There are several places where they break the rules of what makes a good novel by diving into long soliloquized treatises. I mean, it literally takes more than 3 hours to read the radio lecture bit. Couldn't Rand have just written that as a separate essay and paraphrased it in the book? I found that a bit distracting. In spite of that, I think these books are beautifully crafted and masterfully convey the vices of society.
If you are looking for a shorter way to hear a similar message, I think there are several books out there that touch on those topics. For example, I think The Stepford Wives (somewhere around 100 pages long) has a great depiction of the negatives of zombification of the producers and makers of the world.
What strikes me most, when reading other people's reviews of Rand is the lack of any mention of the love scenes! I think The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged may be some of the most beautiful love stories with the most meaningful and descriptive love scenes in literature. Having read a variety of books, from Jane Austen to E L James, I think it's safe to say that these love-making scenes are more tasteful, communicative, and passionate than most others I have read. The self-sacrificing nature of their love is both progressive and inspirational. It reflects their natures perfectly and reaffirms my belief in soul mates and love at first sight. In the lives of characters who constantly strive for perfection, why not achieve it in the emotional realm as well as the physical and social?
June 10, 2011
The recent financial crisis and government action-heavy response have resulted in a resurgence of interest in Ayn Rand. Given its focus on the economy, Atlas Shrugged has understandably received most of the attention. However, Rand’s novel on art, The Fountainhead, remains relevant today as well.
The Fountainhead follows two architects, Howard Roark and Peter Keating, over the course of their early careers (the novel spans approximately two decades). Dominique Francon serves as the love interest and stand-in for the author. Roark, Keating, Gail Wynand, and Ellsworth Toohey (the other two main male characters) are each intended to represent an archetype. Roark is the man who is, Keating is the man who could not be and did not know it, Wynand is the man who could have been and did not know it, and Toohey is the man who could not be and knew it.
Atlas Shrugged follows its protagonist, railroad executive Dagny Taggart, and other industrialists and entrepreneurs as they react to and struggle for success in business notwithstanding a government exerting more and more control over the economy and industry. The politicians do not do it alone, there are heavily assisted by rent-seeking crony capitalists and their lobbyists. This famously culminates in the entrepreneurs going on “strike.” Where Rand uses archetypes in The Fountainhead to explore her ideas about art and architecture, in Atlas Shrugged she uses science fiction tropes to explore her ideas about business and economics.
Rand’s work shines when it stays character-driven and suffers when event-driven. The courtroom scenes in The Fountainhead and the rescue attempt at the end of Atlas Shrugged are almost ludicrously bad. On the hand, the building of the John Galt Line and the tunnel disaster in Atlas Shrugged are masterful. Her prose is quite beautiful, if a bit on the ornate side. While her idealized protagonists (Roark, Galt) tend to be rather flat and dull, her less-than-perfect protagonists (Wynand, Reardan) are much more interesting, and her antagonists can be downright terrifying (Toohey, most of the crony capitalists, lobbyists, and politicians from Atlas Shrugged). For a female writer, Rand’s female characters are curiously unsympathetic (Francon may be the most unsympathetic protagonist I have ever encountered).
Both are books about ideas, and I appreciate that. They are certainly preferable to reading actual philosophy tracts. The philosophy is not always well interwoven into the story, however, most famously in Galt’s seventy page monologue near the end of Atlas Shrugged.
The Fountainhead follows two architects, Howard Roark and Peter Keating, over the course of their early careers (the novel spans approximately two decades). Dominique Francon serves as the love interest and stand-in for the author. Roark, Keating, Gail Wynand, and Ellsworth Toohey (the other two main male characters) are each intended to represent an archetype. Roark is the man who is, Keating is the man who could not be and did not know it, Wynand is the man who could have been and did not know it, and Toohey is the man who could not be and knew it.
Atlas Shrugged follows its protagonist, railroad executive Dagny Taggart, and other industrialists and entrepreneurs as they react to and struggle for success in business notwithstanding a government exerting more and more control over the economy and industry. The politicians do not do it alone, there are heavily assisted by rent-seeking crony capitalists and their lobbyists. This famously culminates in the entrepreneurs going on “strike.” Where Rand uses archetypes in The Fountainhead to explore her ideas about art and architecture, in Atlas Shrugged she uses science fiction tropes to explore her ideas about business and economics.
Rand’s work shines when it stays character-driven and suffers when event-driven. The courtroom scenes in The Fountainhead and the rescue attempt at the end of Atlas Shrugged are almost ludicrously bad. On the hand, the building of the John Galt Line and the tunnel disaster in Atlas Shrugged are masterful. Her prose is quite beautiful, if a bit on the ornate side. While her idealized protagonists (Roark, Galt) tend to be rather flat and dull, her less-than-perfect protagonists (Wynand, Reardan) are much more interesting, and her antagonists can be downright terrifying (Toohey, most of the crony capitalists, lobbyists, and politicians from Atlas Shrugged). For a female writer, Rand’s female characters are curiously unsympathetic (Francon may be the most unsympathetic protagonist I have ever encountered).
Both are books about ideas, and I appreciate that. They are certainly preferable to reading actual philosophy tracts. The philosophy is not always well interwoven into the story, however, most famously in Galt’s seventy page monologue near the end of Atlas Shrugged.
January 3, 2013
If Ayn Rand were a good writer, this book is the point in her career at which she should have stopped while she was ahead. One of the greatest literary villains of all time, Ellsworth Monkton Toohey, is surrounded by typical Randian caricatures spouting stiff Randian self-idolatry.
An alternate universe in which the arts stalled creatively when Europe rediscovered Ancient Greece and Rome is projected forward to 20th Century New York. A hero arises to challenge the creative establishment. Lather on several layers of love, sex, adultery, S&M, professional competition, politics, courtroom drama, industrial espionage, social commentary, betrayal, abandonment, suffering and ultimate triumph and you have the makings of epic story telling. And did I mention Ellsworth Monkton Toohey?
Unfortunately, what you have instead is an Ayn Rand novel. Doubly unfortunately, The Fountainhead's potential for greatness will give many unsuspecting readers hope that perhaps "Atlas Shrugged" will fulfill that promise. It doesn't. Take my advise: Read "The Fountainhead" then quit while you're ahead.
An alternate universe in which the arts stalled creatively when Europe rediscovered Ancient Greece and Rome is projected forward to 20th Century New York. A hero arises to challenge the creative establishment. Lather on several layers of love, sex, adultery, S&M, professional competition, politics, courtroom drama, industrial espionage, social commentary, betrayal, abandonment, suffering and ultimate triumph and you have the makings of epic story telling. And did I mention Ellsworth Monkton Toohey?
Unfortunately, what you have instead is an Ayn Rand novel. Doubly unfortunately, The Fountainhead's potential for greatness will give many unsuspecting readers hope that perhaps "Atlas Shrugged" will fulfill that promise. It doesn't. Take my advise: Read "The Fountainhead" then quit while you're ahead.
April 6, 2014
I`ve just finished the reading. That two books is important for exectly the moment of my life expericnce. First, I realized I am not alone with my instinctive and philosophy credo. Second, Ayn Rand gives me the most clear understanding about surrounding I`ve ever had.
The most depressive information from the books is the most important to take it in mind in my future mapping. Things I counted as a rare personal circumstances now seems as a system characteristics. Reading the books I was wondering all the time about the accuracy of particular details, because I was in such situations by myself and I listened the same words and witnessed the same behaviour as it was described. It is a kind of good proof, both exciting and depressive.
So, what`s the next step? I prefer to take all I`ve read as a kind of warning, especially because it is so clear done.
Thanks my friends who pointed me to that books just in time.
The most depressive information from the books is the most important to take it in mind in my future mapping. Things I counted as a rare personal circumstances now seems as a system characteristics. Reading the books I was wondering all the time about the accuracy of particular details, because I was in such situations by myself and I listened the same words and witnessed the same behaviour as it was described. It is a kind of good proof, both exciting and depressive.
So, what`s the next step? I prefer to take all I`ve read as a kind of warning, especially because it is so clear done.
Thanks my friends who pointed me to that books just in time.
January 5, 2016
Atlas Shrugged truly was the best book I have ever read. It spoiled me forever! Never was a story so mesmerizing, characters so interesting and a tale of intrigue layed out so well that I didn't want this book to end, despite my curiosity about how it would. Also, it makes a life changing point. I couldn't put it down each night but it took 4 months to read as it's an epic treatise and I have little time to read. Two pointers: ) take notes on the main characters introduced in the first 50 pages and 2) skip thru some of Rand's diatribes prevalent in the last third of the book. This will not take away from the story ! She does tend to preach a bit much! This is a once in a lifetime , quality book.
May 15, 2008
I have read both books. It was such a good book. It had me thinking about my goals in life, the reasons that I take the stand that I do, whether or not I have passion (romantically and for life). I used to read The Fountainhead at least once a year so I could re-evaluate my life choices. Atlas Shrugged made me think about society in general and how messed up we are. On a petty note, I really didn't like who the main female character ended up with. Rand has good ideas and themes that are worth reading. I just hate how she gives the characters these long speeches, two or more pages. It detracted me from the message that the character was trying to convey but it was still worth the read.
April 1, 2014
If I had realised that this book was 1168 pages long, I might have thought twice about tackling it. It is huge! The Fountainhead was a wonderful read so I expect the same of this, but it is definitely one to be tackled in short bursts with no expectations of finishing it in a hurry. Watch this space.............
It isn't often that I abandon a book, but was the case with Atlas Shrugged. I struggled and then decided that this book was never going to captivate me anywhere near as much as The Fountainhead. No doubt it is a very worthy tomb, but I'll leave it to others with more stamina than I have to read it to the end.
It isn't often that I abandon a book, but was the case with Atlas Shrugged. I struggled and then decided that this book was never going to captivate me anywhere near as much as The Fountainhead. No doubt it is a very worthy tomb, but I'll leave it to others with more stamina than I have to read it to the end.
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