Books

First edition, first printing, of the author's final novel, inscribed by her on the front free endpaper, "To Bob Wolfe - Cordially - 1/25/65, Ayn Rand". This title is rare inscribed. The recipient may be Robert Wolfe (1921-2014), an army officer and esteemed historian. As a senior archivist for the US National Archives, he was "the go-to guy on Holocaust, Nazi-era, and postwar military government records for a generation of historians" (Kratz). A son of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania, Wolfe assisted historians, politicians, and members of the public in their research into Nazi Germany, including the Israeli prosecutors in the trial of Adolf Eichmann. Atlas Shrugged offers the most extensive exposition of Rand's Objectivist philosophical system, "the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute" (Rand, "About the Author"). Its huge influence on American conservative and libertarian thought continues to be felt. Octavo, pp. 1168. Original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt on black ground, author's initials gilt-stamped on front cover within gilt frame, cream endpapers, top edge blue, fore edge untrimmed. With dust jacket. Spine ends a touch bumped and worn, edges lightly toned; unclipped jacket nicked, a few chips and closed tears, small loss to foot of spine, spine and rear panel lightly toned: a near-fine copy in like jacket. Jessie Kratz, "Robert 'Bob' Wolfe: Captured German Records Expert", National Archives, 21 March 2019, available online.

"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.