Books

First edition, first printing, of Rand's final novel, offering her most extensive exposition of her 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" (endnote). Its influence on American conservative and libertarian thought continues to be felt. The bold jacket art is by the influential cover designer George Salter (1897-1967). "At its most pictorial, his style reflects the strong palette and symbolic realism of easel painting... His once brashly innovative style had become virtually ubiquitous by the 1960s, so well known that it seemed [a] classic" (Hansen, p. 47). Octavo, pp. 1168. Original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt on black ground, author's initials stamped on front cover within gilt frame, cream endpapers, top edge blue, fore edge untrimmed. With dust jacket by George Salter. Binding square, minor fading to fore edge of front cover; unclipped jacket generally sharp, minor rubbing, single nick and faint splash mark: a near-fine copy in like jacket. Thomas S. Hansen, Classic Book Jackets: The Design Legacy of George Salter, 2005.

"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.