Books

Bound in finely woven burgundy cloth stamped brightly in gold on the front boards and on the spine. Very clean, crisp and tight throughout. With dark blue topstaining. The stated "Thirteenth Printing" in the complete, colorful George Salter dust jacket with the price of $15.00 at the top of the inside front flap. The crisp dust jacket shows light wear at the corners and tiny nicks at the top of the spine ends. This copy has been personally inscribed by Ayn Rand: "To John W. Wheeler--Cordially-- Ayn Rand 12/12/72" on the half title page. A very handsome copy of this dystopian novel, signed and inscribed by Rand. Atlas Shrugged is Ayn Rand's fourth and last novel; it was also her longest, and the one she considered to be her magnum opus in the realm of fiction writing. Atlas Shrugged includes elements of science fiction, mystery, and romance, and it contains Rand's most extensive statement of Objectivism in any of her works of fiction.The book explores a dystopian, increasingly socialist, post-economic collapse United States where many of society's most prominent and successful industrialists begin to disappear, abandoning their empires in response to aggressive new regulations. Without their support, many of the country's vital industries begin to collapse. The title is a reference to Atlas, a Titan of Ancient Greek mythology, described in the novel as "the giant who holds the world on his shoulders," although in Greek mythology he holds up the sky, not the earth. (Wikipedia) Later Printing (Thirteenth Printing stated).

"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.