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I still think this is one of the greatest books ever and it influenced me deeply in a lot of positive ways. However, be alert for the flaws. Ayn Rand and her philosophy were not quite perfect. I spent a few years after the first time I read her works believing that if I got "too emotional" over a situation, or preferred a folk song to a symphony, that I had serious character defects.
Still and all, I'm glad after all these years people are still reading and being inspired by her works.
The lead character, Howard Roark, with his abrupt, polite conversation with the various people who attempt to sway him provides amusing, cutting but innocent one liners you'll want to use. His independence, demanding nothing from others, was so refreshing. I particularly love the part when Keating rushes up to Roark and demands to know what he really thinks of him. "I never think of you" Replies Roark, with un-contrived honesty. A more enjoyable read, in many ways, than the broader "Atlas Shrugged" which I would recommend as follow on to this book, after a couple of months rest!
And you'll never meet a more vile man than Ellsworth Tooh! ey, nor a more broken man than Gail Wynand. To detract from the book, saying its nazi-ism or social darwinism is ridiculous, I can see no connection! There is scene of the greatest benevolence involving Roark in the book. The infamous 'rape' scene, that many find objectionable, comes over as a private fantasy of Ayn Rand. Its hardly a shocker, it seems nothing like real accounts of rape. Don't let that cloud you.
The story is rather 'black and white', but I feel that's deliberate. It is a fictional story, Rand was a novelist first, then a philosopher. It may be currently a favourite with younger people, but its a book that gets richer as you get wiser. I think suggestions that the book is naive are a non-criticism by people who cannot consider a constructive criticism, its the "I'm, older and wiser therefore you wont understand, but I'm right" argument. Incidentally, I'm not that young!. Rand did not write it with a specific demographic audience in m! ind!
My advice? Go for it, but only if you're going to ! read it closely and thoroughly, you may as well get as much from the novel as possible.
I would also like to counter some of the comments that the book is simply a thinly veiled treatise on Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. If anyone read the introduction written by Rand she answers a fundamental question:
"Was The Fountainhead written for the purpose of presenting my philosophy? ... This is the motive and purpose of my writing; the projection of the ideal man ... My purpose, first cause and prime motive is the portrayal of Howard Roark as an end in himself."
What I understood from Rand's statement is that her ultimate goal is to present her characters - showing, through their actions and inactions, attitudes and convictions - and the good and bad points of their diverse perspectives on life. In interpreting the book, I feel one should focus on how one perceives the characters, not on what the afterward by Leonard Peikoff or any other outside source espouses.
Form your own opinion of the philosophical ideas expressed in the book - do not rely on Piekoff's interpretation or the interpretation of this review or others. Read the book and analyze the characters on your own - pull from them what grabs at you - what relates to any of your life experiences. To me, that is the most effective way to think and read. Think critically and scrutinize closely and you will not fail to learn from most every part of life.
This is how I approached the novel and I was not disappointed.
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Anthem is almost a work of poetry - absolutely amazing considering it is written in a second language. The book's tone is almost religious, a tribute to the human, not the divine spirit. I suspect those writing the most polemical reviews disagree more with the book's philosophy than the literature. It should be offered in junior high and high school as a classic. For today's youth (I have two) it may be too intellectual, expect too much from the reader. It will be difficult for those with a certain philosophical bent to enjoy this book. It is uncompromisingly relentless in its vision of a collectivistic world. But it also unabashedly rejoices in the indominatable strenth of the individual. Very good read.
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In the first book, archeologist Leo Cross has discovered evidence of mass destruction through out Earth's history, repeating in precise intervals. Meanwhile, observers at the Hubble III telescope pick up a strange object, six months away on a near collision course with Earth. Earth has six months to guess what is happening and develop a defense.
If you enjoyed this series then you will probably like the Heritage Trilogy by Ian Douglas, which is far better written.
This book is really thrilling. I have read it in one go. There have been other sf novels that used the attractive combination of archaeology and science fiction. But this is by far the best! Not only is the story well researched (the authors know about what they write), but the two writers have also an excellent feeling for action, suspense and human character. My copy of "Oblivion" is on its way. I am looking forward to it (and I will patiently wait for "Final Assaut"). The trilogy might get "cult status".
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In the second book, Earth has learned the terrible secret of the tenth planet. Not content merely to defend themselves against the rapacious Malmuria, Earth breaks out it's stock of antiquated nuclear weapons and prepares to take the battle to the Malmurians on their home turf.
If you enjoyed this series then you will probably like the Heritage Trilogy by Ian Douglas, which is far better written.
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