Books

Beautifully signed and inscribed by Ayn Rand at half-title page: "To John W. Wheeler - - Cordially - 12/12/72, Ayn Rand". Rare signed trade edition from this unique period. Stated Thirteenth Printing at copyright. 1957 also at copyright page; no other dates. Circa 1972 printing matching the first in design, quality and dimensions. Dark red or burgundy full-cloth boards, crisp gilt cover initials and spine titles on black field, light cover, corner wear; moderate spine concavity. Deckled pages near fine, bright; no writing. Bind fine; hinges intact. Presented in beautiful and complete matching wrapper from this period, slight shelf wear, toning; unclipped 15.00, protected in new clear sleeve. Features the original first edition jacket design with cover painting by George Salter. Rare sharp signed early printing in same wrapper. Likely inscribed to John W. Wheeler, A.C.E. He was the editor of many and several prominent films beginning in the 1960s including, but not limited to: "Star Trek: First Contact"; "The Parallax View"; "The Onion Field"; "Rocky IV"; "The Challenge"; "Serial"; "Roots: The Next Generations"; "The Sterile Cuckoo"; and, four episodes of the acclaimed series "Search" in 1972-73. He received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Editing for "Separate But Equal" featuring Burt Lancaster and Sidney Poitier. John L. Wheeler (born Johnie Lee Wheeler, Jr.) was a consistent character actor throughout his career. Interestingly, for his first major role, he played the first Tellarite to ever appear on Star Trek in an episode of 1967. In this universe, Tellarites are a humanoid species known for love of argument and debate, engineering skills, are capable of warp-speed, and from the planet "Tellar." Edward Teller was key to the Manhattan Project. Finally, further intriguing parallels exist with John A. Wheeler, famed theoretical physicist and Princeton professor. This John Wheeler was supervisor of more doctoral theses than any other including "avowed atheist" Richard Feynman who was Manhattan Project alum and subatomic architect of quantum electro-dynamics. Wheeler is also credited with discovering fissionable element U235 with Neils Bohr; was a staunch anti-Communist; and, in addition to his many discoveries in astrophysics and cosmology, was especially gifted at coining the terms: "Black Hole"; "Worm Hole"; "It from Bit"; and "Delayed Choice"! In Ayn Rand's greatest achievement and last work of fiction, she dramatizes her unique philosophy through an intellectual story that integrates ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, politics, and sex. Set in a near-future U.S.A. whose economy is collapsing as a result of the mysterious disappearance of leading innovators and industrialists, this novel presents an astounding panorama of human life. Endowed with larger-than-life characters, and charged with towering questions of good and evil, Atlas Shrugged is a revolutionary epic. 1184 pages. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7½" - 9½" tall.

"Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand is a monumental novel that presents a dystopian vision of the United States. Set in a society where government regulations stifle individual initiative and innovation, the story follows the lives of various characters as they navigate a world descending into economic collapse and social decay. The novel primarily revolves around Dagny Taggart, an innovative railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a talented steel magnate. As they strive to maintain their businesses amidst increasing government interference and societal decline, they encounter various obstacles that hinder their efforts to pursue their visions. A mysterious figure known as John Galt becomes a central enigma in the narrative. Galt is the symbol of a growing resistance movement among the country's most productive and talented individuals, who begin to disappear without a trace. They withdraw from a society that does not appreciate their efforts and stifles their freedom, believing in the philosophy of "going on strike" against a system that suppresses individualism and rewards mediocrity. As the nation faces an economic crisis and societal breakdown, Dagny and Hank discover a hidden valley where the vanished innovators have created their own utopian society based on individualism, free will, and personal achievement. John Galt reveals his philosophy, advocating for the idea that "the mind on strike" is the source of human progress and that individuals should not sacrifice their talents and ambitions for the sake of others. Throughout the novel, Ayn Rand presents her philosophy of Objectivism, emphasizing reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. The narrative delves into complex themes of morality, capitalism, the role of government, and the pursuit of personal happiness. "Atlas Shrugged" is a philosophical epic that critiques collectivism and advocates for the rights of the individual. It portrays the consequences of suppressing individual freedom and ambition while celebrating the importance of human innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of one's own happiness.