Ayn Rand

Pseudo-sophisticated philosophers beware! "Edited by Gary Hull and Leonard Peikoff, here is a rare and illuminating glimpse into the legendary writer's (Rand's) evolution as an artist and philosopher." With that bold statement from the back cover of the text dangling as a morsel of hubris so as to hook the buyer; The Ayn Rand Reader certainly does make good on the promise. Whether you are seasoned reader or a neophyte into Rand's writings this text delivers the main points of her Objectivist Philosophy in a survey style covering her observations, feelings, and convcitions regarding Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Politics, and Esthetics. Ayn Rand was an impassioned proponent of reason, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism; as such she deserves to be called the greatest philosopher of the Twentieth Century and arguably of all time. Persons genuinely interested in Rand or simply curious about her doctrines will not be disappointed with this text. I rate it at five stars with no reservation.

For those of you who are honestly interested in learning about Ayn Rand, I fully recommend this book as an introduction to her philosophy.It's very disheartening to see that Ayn Rand detractors have overwhelmed most of the review boards for her books.If you read this book, please keep in mind several things that its detractors have not:1. Ayn Rand's philosophy is an integrated system of looking at life and reality. It distorts her view when you grab one of her ideas and take it out of context. Before you pass judgment on Ayn Rand, please know what you are talking about and learn the fundamentals of her philosophy. 2. You have to be honest to learn from Ayn Rand. Reading her books won't dislodge the falsehoods from your mind, nor cram the truth into your brain. She has created a roadmap for learning the ideal philosophy, but YOU have to look at reality and learn it yourself. Because of this, there are people who have distorted her ideas drastically. Please look at what she has written to learn about her, NOT what others interpret her to be. That's why this book is so important in clearing up the chaos surrounding Ayn Rand. So many people have misinterpreted her. Here you can get the information firsthand. In her own words.

This is an excellent compilation of Miss Rand's writings -- an introduction for beginners and a treasured condensation (of her writings) for her ardent fans. Although I have (read) all Miss Rand's fiction and non-fiction, the Ayn Rand Reader permits me quick reference to many of my favorite passages and essays.Miss Rand's writings are my continuing source of spiritual (mind) and moral strength in a world (currently) dominated by collectivism and altruism. Her writings will, in time, be the foundation of a New (and much needed) Renaissance.

This is a good introductory collection of Randian material -- not perfect, but good. I'm giving it five stars just to prove that I can be nice to the folks at the Ayn Rand Institute when they do a decent job of putting a new volume together. The fact that they didn't pad it with mediocre essays by Peikoff and Schwartz is a major accomplishment and I think it deserves to be recognized. Keep it up, guys.

Fabulous. For beginners (and even some alleged sophisticates) who want to know about Ayn Rand, THIS -- and no other -- is the book to read. Peikoff and Hull peformed above standard in putting this together. It is fresh, sizzling, uplifting. The best Ayn Rand book in 10 years (or longer).