Books

London: Cassell and Company, 1938. First edition, first printing. Hardcover. Good/good. 147pp. Duodecimo [19 cm] in original mottled red cloth. Recased. Major restoration to jacket; label removed from front board; ink stamps washed from free endpaper, foxing to front matter and rear endpapers. In custom red cloth clamshell case. A first edition of Ayn Rand's dystopian fiction novella, one of her earliest works.

"Anthem" by Ayn Rand is a thought-provoking novella that explores themes of individualism, collectivism, and the power of the human spirit in a dystopian society. Set in a future world where technological advancement has regressed, people live in a highly regulated society where individuality is suppressed and personal pronouns like "I" and "me" are forbidden. The protagonist, Equality 7-2521, rebels against this collectivist society as he discovers his own sense of self. Equality 7-2521 is a young man who yearns for knowledge and freedom. He discovers an underground tunnel from the Unmentionable Times, where he conducts forbidden experiments and makes groundbreaking discoveries. However, his discoveries are condemned by the authorities who believe in a society where everyone is equal and collective happiness is valued above personal fulfillment. During his journey, Equality 7-2521 meets Liberty 5-3000, a woman who shares his desire for freedom. They begin to develop feelings for each other, which is forbidden in their society. They break free from the constraints of their collectivist world and explore their individuality together. As they venture beyond the boundaries of their society, Equality 7-2521 rediscovers the lost concept of the word "I" and embraces his own identity. He realizes the significance of individualism and the power of independent thought. The novella culminates in Equality 7-2521 rejecting the society's dogmas and embracing his own free will and individuality. "Anthem" serves as a powerful critique of collectivism and authoritarianism, championing the importance of individualism, personal identity, and the pursuit of knowledge and happiness. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit against oppressive systems and celebrates the value of individual freedom and self-discovery.

The first edition of 'Anthem' by Ayn Rand was published in the UK. It was a hardcover edition with a blue cloth binding and the publisher's logo on the cover. The first edition can be identified by the publisher's name, Cassell, on the spine and the absence of any mention of subsequent printings or editions.