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SIGNED and Inscribed by Ayn Rand to international film star Florence Marly. Second printing of the first edition in the original maroon binding. Bright, clipped jacket. Delightfully inscribed "To Florence Marly who is a wonderful reader Cordially Ayn Rand September 14, 1948." Contains an ORIGINAL PHOTO of Rand and Marly reading a copy of The Fountainhead on the Warner Bros. movie set of "The Fountainhead" motion picture, where they originally met. What reader isn't mesmerized by the spellbinding intellectual audacity of The Fountainhead's author, her seamless integration of dual literary and philosophic purposes: the projection of her ideal man and a defense of egoism in its rationally justifiable meaning-the novel's plot propelled by indelible, larger-than-life characters: Peter Keating, the promising graduate, the successful, handsome, young architect who ends up "sitting on the floor, reduced to a single sense, the sense of hearing" -- power-lusting Ellsworth Toohey, finally divulging his intrigue to his most docile victim, "The rest of you will smile and obey. Have you noticed that the imbecile always smiles?" -- triumphant newspaper mogul and "ruler of men" Gail Wynand, subject of the grammatical and courtroom sentence in the most hauntingly meaningful line of any novel, "At the back of the room, Gail Wynand got up and stood also." -- delicately austere Dominique Francon, raped by "the most revolting person I've ever met," whom she eventually marries (of the "rape," Rand later said, "If that was rape, it was rape by engraved invitation.") -- and Howard Roark. With the novel's opening sentence, "Howard Roark laughed," the ideal man of unborrowed vision and self-sufficient ego was born. Highly alluring Czech-born actress Florence Marly, born on June 2, 1919, initially expressed intentions of being an opera singer. At the age of 18, however, she was discovered by the 33-year-old renowned French director Pierre Chenal while a student of art and literature at the Sorbonne. She was best known for her roles in The Damned, Tokyo Joe, and Queen of Blood. However, her life and career were not without challenges and controversies. She faced the horrors of World War II, the blacklist of the House Un-American Activities Committee, and the decline of her film opportunities. She remained a lifelong friend of Rand until she died at the age of 59 of a heart attack in Glendale, California. Front hinge of book starting but book holds firm. The photo of Rand and Marly, originally mounted to back pastedown has separated, leaving spotting on verso of photo, pastedown, and back flyleaf. Small PO's stamp at bottom of front pastedown. Bright, clipped jacket. Back pastedown contains a ½ inch sticker across bottom edge, with typed words: Continental star Florence Marly meets Ayn Rand, author of the novel, THE FOUNTAINHEAD, currently being filmed at Warner B. An Association Copy of Hollywood memorabilia at an incomparable value. Book #Bv2431. $6000. We specialize in Rare Ayn Rand, and other legends and landmarks.

"The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand, published in 1943, is a novel that delves into the philosophical concepts of individualism, integrity, and the conflict between creativity and conformity. The story revolves around Howard Roark, an ambitious and talented architect with a unique vision for innovative designs. Roark embodies uncompromising individualism and refuses to conform to societal expectations or compromise his artistic integrity. He believes in creating buildings that reflect his artistic vision rather than pandering to popular architectural trends. As Roark faces the challenges of the architectural world, his unconventional approach draws criticism and opposition from traditional architects and critics. His refusal to adhere to established conventions leads to rejection from architectural firms and clients who prefer safer, more conventional designs. Despite these setbacks, Roark remains steadfast in his commitment to his principles. The novel contrasts Roark’s individualism with Peter Keating, an architect who succeeds by conforming to popular tastes and compromising his artistic integrity. Keating is conventional, willing to sacrifice his own beliefs and ideas to gain social approval and advancement in his career. Dominique Francon, an independent and complex woman, becomes entangled in Roark’s life. Initially skeptical of Roark’s ideas, she becomes fascinated by his integrity and strength of character. Their relationship undergoes various challenges due to Dominique’s inner conflicts and societal pressures. Enter the character of Ellsworth Toohey, a critic who represents collectivism and mediocrity. Toohey seeks to manipulate public opinion and destroy individualistic ideals, advocating conformity and suppressing true talent. The novel culminates in a dramatic trial where Roark defends his artistic integrity against society’s attempts to stifle his individualism. He passionately argues for the right of the creator to maintain control over their work without compromising their vision for the sake of societal norms or approval. Through Roark’s unwavering dedication to his principles, Ayn Rand illustrates her philosophy of objectivism, advocating for individualism, rational self-interest, and the pursuit of personal excellence. "The Fountainhead" serves as a vehicle for Rand’s beliefs in the importance of individual creativity and integrity, and it continues to provoke discussions about the role of the individual in society, the nature of artistic expression, and the conflict between individualism and collectivism.