Books

SIGNED First Edition, First Printing of Ayn Rand's The Romantic Manifesto: A Philosophy of Literature (New York: The World Publishing Company, 1969). A spectacular example of the book and jacket, the finest we've ever seen, signed, inscribed and dated by Rand in the month of publication. Housed in a custom leatherette-linen clamshell box. Rare signed and inscribed, especially so in Very Fine condition. No less radical than her advocacy of the virtue of selfishness is Ayn Rand's theory of art, which pierces the mysticism and sentimentality that have engulfed esthetic theory to explain why, since time immemorial, human beings have created and consumed works of art. "An artist reveals his naked soul in his work and so, gentle reader, do you when you respond to it" (55). In this series of ground-breaking essays, Rand defines the nature and source of art, demonstrates the soul-sustaining value art has for human survival, and lays the foundation of a rational esthetics. With essays on the…

In 'The Romantic Manifesto', Ayn Rand explores the philosophy behind her stance on aesthetic issues. She explains her views on the nature and purpose of art and romanticism. Rand argues that art is a way to project one's values and that romanticism is a celebration of human life and potential.

If you want to identify a first edition of 'The Romantic Manifesto', look for the publishing details of The New American Library from the year 1969. Additional hints include the presence of particular cover art or design elements specific to that edition. Verifying the ISBN can also assist in distinguishing a first edition.