Play Audiobook Sample
The Fountainhead (Abridged) Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.00) - 143,869 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
The Fountainhead studies the conflict between artistic genius and social convention, a theme Ayn Rand later developed into the idealistic philosophy knows as Objectivism.
Rand's hero is Howard Roark, a brilliant young architect who won't compromise his integrity, especially in the unconventional buildings he designs. Roark is engaged in ideological warfare with a society that despises him, an architectural community that doesn't understand him, and a woman who loves him but wants to destroy him. His struggle raises questions about society's attitude toward revolutionaries. Since this book's publication in 1943, Rand's controversial ideas have made her one of the best-selling authors of all time.
Download and start listening now!
"I did not agree with a lot of ideologies of Ayn Rand , say about 25% into the book. But towards the end, i desperately wanted to live in the kind of world she weaves in this book. The protagonists are complex and larger than life, but in way that makes you want to believe in them and stand up for them. You may not be able to relate to the characters Ayn Rand has created in this book but you will surely get inspired by them . Dominique Francois is definitely not your conventional protagonist but if you can stay with Rand as she digs up the varied colors of Dominique's personality, you are sure to find inspiration and enlightenment there. I found mine."
— Sridevi (5 out of 5 stars)
The Fountainhead Listener Reviews
-
" One of my all time favorite books! "
— Jennifer, 2/9/2014 -
" Less of a rant than usual, but more physically, emotionally, and sexually violent than Atlas Shrugged "
— K.b.s., 2/9/2014 -
" Some of things that Ayn Rand brought up were interesting, although I've seen similar themes written better in other works. Overall, it wasn't bad but I don't think it was very realistic. As someone who works in the engineering field, Rand's use of architecture, design and material was not one point. It detracted from her overall message of objectivism. I think her story would have been stronger if she wasn't so long-winded on situations and people that didn't really matter. While some speeches were pretty good, others were so long and pointless that it dragged the story down. I think if someone wants to read an Ayn Rand book, Anthem is better than the Fountainhead. The short length of Anthem makes it more interesting, thus the message is more powerful. "
— Lilly, 2/1/2014 -
" Who isn't looking for the perfect man, the perfect economy, the perfect world??? "
— Jennifer, 1/24/2014 -
" Got 3/4 of the way and finally allowed myself to quit. Hated. "
— Erin, 1/18/2014 -
" I would have rated this book a 5 when I read it many years ago while in college. But it's not a book that I appreciate now when I am older. "
— Radhika, 1/17/2014 -
" The most inspirational novel I've read. "
— Kyla, 1/15/2014 -
" I liked this book much better than Atlas Shrugged "
— Rudy, 1/8/2014 -
" The best book ever. Inspiring and igniting the fire within you. It will always remain a shaping structure in my life. "
— Manan, 12/15/2013 -
" Just a great book. A little over-the-top, and even bitter. But insightful just the same. "
— Steele, 11/25/2013 -
" The most terrible, the most horrible, the most painful, the best, the most exquisite, the most beautiful love story I've ever read... "
— Eldaya, 10/18/2013 -
" I liked the book when I read it. I was in high school and I feel like you either have to be immature or a dumb ass to like Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. "
— Steven, 9/30/2013 -
" It was my favorite book for many years, the kind of book you think about as you go through each day. "
— Hester, 9/7/2013 -
" This is GREAT novel. More time spent on thinking than reading !!! "
— Nikolai, 8/4/2013 -
" Although it is deemed as a classic, I found this book quite repetitive and its philosophy very antiquated. Takes about 7 chapters before you get into the story. Quite frankly, the story ended around 150 pages before the end of the book. "
— Yvonne, 7/18/2013 -
" I loved everything about this book, minus the length, which however failed to deter me from finishing the book. The characters, the symbolism, the plot, the language, even the philosophy managed to move me at the time of reading. "
— Grace, 7/11/2013 -
" Obviously beautiful writing, but the philosophy is disturbing. Definitely a great read and thought provoking. "
— Taylor, 6/28/2013 -
" The only way to enjoy this is to imagine Ayn Rand is Stephen Colbert. "
— Stacie, 4/30/2013 -
" Goes best with "eye of the tiger" in the background. "
— Daniel, 4/7/2013 -
" Read twice. Didn't think I would like it and it ended up enthralling me. "
— Chelsea, 3/13/2013 -
" I just could not get into it. Really liked Atlas Shrugged, but not so much with this one. "
— Brad, 8/22/2012 -
" A new passion for Architect is developed within ourselves after reading this book.. Howard Roark wow what an character he is .. "
— Kavya, 6/12/2012 -
" Totally disagree with her worldview, but absolutely loved the book. "
— Missy, 3/31/2012 -
" Probably one of my all time favorite books when I read it in my twenties. "
— Constance, 3/8/2012 -
" Amazing. Must read for everyone! "
— Anagha, 7/6/2011 -
" If only we could all be so passionate about our life's work as Howard Roark. "
— Michael, 6/30/2011 -
" Its kinda hard to get through, but its good and Im trying!! "
— Geneya, 6/30/2011 -
" read this a long, long time ago....still one of my favorites! "
— Colleen, 6/28/2011 -
" Well written with characters that are fully developed. Something that you don't see much of today. Ayn Rand has the ability to show the nature of mankind through out the book. A true classic. "
— Dean, 6/26/2011 -
" I've only read the first 200 pages. So far I find it excellent. Rand is a great author. "
— David, 6/25/2011 -
" I need to read this one again as an adult, but when I was 17, I loved this book.. "
— Leslie, 6/23/2011 -
" This book introduced me to the world of capitalists - this book also has been made into a movie. A classic for all times. "
— Geetha, 6/22/2011 -
" Very good story, but better to skip over the parts where Rand gets into her repetitive spiel - usually near the end. Atlas Shrugged pushes the same free-market concept, with a similar plot. "
— Nick, 6/21/2011 -
" Great story, but I must admit that I had a hard time relating to the characters and was quite frustrated sometimes by decisions they made. <br/>Interesting logic of course and a surprising outcome for many of the characters. "
— Jen, 6/20/2011 -
" This is my all time favorite.. I go back to this book time and again, and every time I learn something new. It will always be my number 1 :) "
— Manasi, 6/19/2011
About Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was born in Russia, graduated from the University of Leningrad, and came to the United States in 1926. She published her first novel in 1936. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved a spectacular and enduring success, and her unique philosophy, Objectivism, gained a worldwide following.
About Edward Herrmann
Edward Herrmann (1943–2014) was one of America’s top audiobook narrators. He won multiple Audie Awards and twenty-two Earphones Awards, and his narration of the King James version of the Bible remains a benchmark in the industry.