Books

Random House, New York. 1957, 1st edition. (hardcover) Fine in a good but slightly worn dust jacket the jacket has the original design by George Salter famous artist. complete with 1168pps.+. First edition, first state with first issue dust jacket. Thick 8vo. (8.75" X 6.0" inches). Pp. VIII, 1168 pages. In original publisher's turquoise cloth, title compartment in black to spine, double-ruled in gilt, lettering in gilt, author's initials in gilt to top board. Top-edge coloured blue, fore-edge and bottom edge roughcut. Dust jacket priced $6.95 & dated 10 / 57 on the front flap. Dust jacket is mylar protected. A rare book in the original publisher's green cloth binding, pages are unusually clean and bright, however, the jacket has a chip at the bottom and wear along the edges only good priced thus under brodart mylart complete dj with original price and dated 1st issue. photo of Ayn Rand on verson of dj, her Magnus Opus.

"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.