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.
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"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)
" 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, 10/18/2013Ayn 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.
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.