Book Review - The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Did I miss something? Am I completely wrong? Is there another book that I should review? Leave a comment and let me know!

[Dexx]

The Fountainhead should be required reading for every artist. This book is where Rand's philosophy shines. Doesn't work in Atlas Shrugged with capitalism, but with art... 100%.

[securityscorpion]

Excellent review. Exactly what I was looking for.

[rangers]

I don't think you quite get what Ayn Rand means by "selfish"

She would call a mother dying in order to save her child as "selfish" as life would be unbearable to live knowing that she could have saved her child and didn't. Therefore it is in her best interest to 'sacrifice' herself. (as we would say)

Only Ayn Rand would call that act "selfish".

Therefore, being selfish is still doing a really good thing.

[Himes]

I think everyone can relate to Howard Rourke at some point in their life. It's about standing up for yourself and not compromising your ideas for the sake of conformity or money, or in this case, anything.

[jasonbrown]

I suggest "The Watchmen" by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, '87, although I'm not a subscriber, I just appreciated your concise review of this.

[bryanpell]

Really great review! You pointed out a lot of elements of the book I didn't catch.

[jadoremcfly]

for me, the book was like the fifty shades of grey version of an architect.

[robertoortizis]

Awesome! In the words of Ayn Rand "Stay selfish!"
I'm about to enter this AynRand institution essay contest and I'm researching!

[ManicPandaz]

It was a sad book filled with many idealized pessimists. To think the world works that way shows how jaded Rand was. I couldn't respect a single character. They were all so fatally flawed. A single word came to mind after reading this book: Bloviate...

[daiveedino]

Great review, this is was what I was looking for. :)

[chezanna]

You get a lot wrong. Rand didn't hate Charity at all, the main Point is that it has to be voluntary. And she doesn't glorify rape as such. It worked in the case of Howard and Dominique. It's not politically correct, many may not get it, that's ok. The book clearly demonstrates how Dominique froze and became indifferent when she was approached in a traditional manner. What would you have in mind for her?

[AndrewTheRed]

Sorry to say this but it doesn't appear you've read the book, this sounds more like a Wikipedia review. Rand and theology? This sounds like your own bias speaking. Rape is also a Wikipedia fancy. 'Setting' goals as the good? No its their fulfillment, accomplishment. This is one of my top 5 fiction books and I don't like to see it poorly reviewed. You didn't even speak to the title, what is the Fountainhead?

[tomfairmusic]

I'm about three-fourths through with The Fountainhead, and I have to say that notwithstanding the naysayers - who are very reminiscent of certain of Rand's own characters - you did a great job of presenting an objective view of a work that can easily lead on to excessive controversy, friction and emotional involvement. Before reading this, I read Atlas Shrugged twice - once in H.S. in the 60s, and once earlier this year. My own take on it is that Ayn Rand is a superb writer - excellent command of character, narrative and dialogue - but way too serious and not very likable. If you haven't done so yet, I suggest you read "Fer-de-Lance" and then the entire Nero Wolfe series by Rex Stout. Stout was a contemporary of Rand's and deals with much the same social phenomena as she does, but with a lighter touch (although his vocabulary exceeds hers by light years). He selected the mystery genre to make his philosophical statements, and his sense of humor shines throughout. And if you want a suggestion on one awesome book to review, how about "The Walking Drum" by Louis L'Amour.

[billythorton]

I never read Ayn Rand so my question is would you recommend this book to me for a first time rand reader. If it helps I am an athiest.

[cbrusharmy]

That was a helpful introduction for me. Thank you.

[tomaspilgrim]

Excellent and balanced review! Pretty much sums up my estimations of it as well :)

[mindtheyoutubegap]

This might seem weired, but I hated The Fountainhead and thought it was a waste of time. Unlike Atlas Shrugged I really like that book, despite the 3000 page John Galt speech : ) I haven't found anybody out there that has a similar view than I. Either they hate these 2 books or they like both...Any thoughts?

[phoenixmichaels]

I cannot even believe you read this book, to make such inane comments. Try again.