Books

First printing of the true first edition, published in the UK by Cassell in 1938. Ayn Rand's American publisher Macmillan refused to publish the work, and it remained unpublished in the USA until 1946. ***Very good in brick-red cloth-covered boards, with gilt titles to the spine. This is a variant to the standard Cassell first edition binding of mottled dark red cloth. The boards are faded, mainly at the spine and margin of the rear board near to the spine. There is also a light streak on the back board, and some marks to the spine. The gilt has oxidised somewhat over time and is dulled but still present. There is a small stain to the fore-edge of the page block, which just affects the outer margin of a few pages, but not affecting any text. (Please see scans) Internally, the book is near fine, with no inscriptions, and no tears or creases. The paper used is quite thick, almost like thin card and is of god quality, although slightly tanned with age. There is a small indentation affecting just a few pages right at the very top of the page, which is only noticeable if you look at the top edge of the page block. Without the very scarce dustwrapper. ***188mm x 125mm. 147 pages. ***'"Anthem" is a dystopian fiction novella by Russian-American writer Ayn Rand, written in 1937 and first published in 1938 in the United Kingdom. The story takes place at an unspecified future date when mankind has entered another Dark Age. Technological advancement is now carefully planned and the concept of individuality has been eliminated. A young man known as Equality 7-2521 rebels by doing secret scientific research. When his activity is discovered, he flees into the wilderness with the girl he loves. Together they plan to establish a new society based on rediscovered individualism. ***Rand originally conceived of the story as a play, then decided to write for magazine publication. At her agent's suggestion, she submitted it to book publishers. The novella was first published by Cassell in England. It was published in the United States only after Rand's next novel, The Fountainhead, became a best seller. Rand revised the text for the US edition published in 1946. (Wiki) ***A true first edition, which was published in the UK, in very good original condition. A unique copy, in a variant Cassell binding, of a very scarce book. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.

"Anthem" by Ayn Rand is a thought-provoking novella that explores themes of individualism, collectivism, and the power of the human spirit in a dystopian society. Set in a future world where technological advancement has regressed, people live in a highly regulated society where individuality is suppressed and personal pronouns like "I" and "me" are forbidden. The protagonist, Equality 7-2521, rebels against this collectivist society as he discovers his own sense of self. Equality 7-2521 is a young man who yearns for knowledge and freedom. He discovers an underground tunnel from the Unmentionable Times, where he conducts forbidden experiments and makes groundbreaking discoveries. However, his discoveries are condemned by the authorities who believe in a society where everyone is equal and collective happiness is valued above personal fulfillment. During his journey, Equality 7-2521 meets Liberty 5-3000, a woman who shares his desire for freedom. They begin to develop feelings for each other, which is forbidden in their society. They break free from the constraints of their collectivist world and explore their individuality together. As they venture beyond the boundaries of their society, Equality 7-2521 rediscovers the lost concept of the word "I" and embraces his own identity. He realizes the significance of individualism and the power of independent thought. The novella culminates in Equality 7-2521 rejecting the society's dogmas and embracing his own free will and individuality. "Anthem" serves as a powerful critique of collectivism and authoritarianism, championing the importance of individualism, personal identity, and the pursuit of knowledge and happiness. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit against oppressive systems and celebrates the value of individual freedom and self-discovery.