Essays on Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged - by Robert Mayhew (Paperback)

About the Book

This is the first scholarly study of Atlas Shrugged, covering in detail the historical, literary, and philosophical aspects of Ayn Rand's magnum opus. Topics explored in depth include the history behind the novel's creation, publication, and reception; its nature as a romantic...

Book Synopsis

While the fiction of novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand is extremely popular and enduring, little has been written on it so far. This book consists of essays, most of which are new, by top Rand scholars on Atlas Shrugged, her magnum opus. The essays deal with historical, literary, and philosophical topics, surpassing related writings in breadth and depth of analysis. The historical essays cover the writing of Atlas Shrugged, its publication history, and its reception. The literary essays cover analysis of the novel's plot, theme, and characterization; comparisons with other works, such as the novels of Hugo, Dostoyevsky, and Joyce; and the proper approach to adapting Atlas Shrugged to film. The philosophical essays cover a vast range of topics, including the place of Galt's speech in the novel, the role of the mind in human life, and the evil of non-objective law. Some of the essays make use of previously unpublished material from the Ayn Rand Archives.

Review Quotes

"Ayn Rand's magnum opus has long warranted analyses that are scholarly but accessible, sympathetic but not fawning, useful to readers new to Rand and rewarding to those who have long studied her. Readers have also needed an account of the book's development, publication, and reception. This outstanding collection meets these needs and more. It is the novel's definitive companion...." --John P. McCaskey, Stanford University

"Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged is unprecedented: a literary masterwork that presents a startlingly new philosophical system in the form of a mystery novel. In his latest collection of essays, Robert Mayhew has assembled an impressive group of scholars who explore Rand's last and most ambitious novel as a work of literature and of philosophy and place it in its historical and cultural context. This is at once a guide for new readers and a source of fresh insights for devotees." --James G. Lennox, University of Pittsburgh

"In Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand presented a revolutionary new philosophy in the form of a gripping and inspiring novel. Dr. Mayhew's remarkable new collection will help readers gain an even deeper appreciation of Rand's esthetic and philosophical achievement. For anyone interested in understanding one of the most celebrated books of the 20th century, Essays on Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged is a must-read." --Yaron Brook, President and Executive Director, The Ayn Rand Institute

"Ayn Rand's magnum opus has long warranted analyses that are scholarly but accessible, sympathetic but not fawning, useful to readers new to Rand and rewarding to those who have long studied her. Readers have also needed an account of the book's development, publication, and reception. This outstanding collection meets these needs and more. It is the novel'sdefinitive companion." --John P. McCaskey, Stanford University

Ayn Rand's magnum opus has long warranted analyses that are scholarly but accessible, sympathetic but not fawning, useful to readers new to Rand and rewarding to those who have long studied her. Readers have also needed an account of the book's development, publication, and reception. This outstanding collection meets these needs and more. It is the novel'sdefinitive companion.

Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged is unprecedented: a literary masterwork that presents a startlingly new philosophical system in the form of a mystery novel. In his latest collection of essays, Robert Mayhew has assembled an impressive group of scholars who explore Rand's last and most ambitious novel as a work of literature and of philosophy and place it in its historical and cultural context. This is at once a guide for new readers and a source of fresh insights for devotees.

In Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand presented a revolutionary new philosophy in the form of a gripping and inspiring novel. Dr. Mayhew's remarkable new collection will help readers gain an even deeper appreciation of Rand's esthetic and philosophical achievement. For anyone interested in understanding one of the most celebrated books of the 20th century, Essays on Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged is a must-read.

About the Author

Robert Mayhew is professor of philosophy at Seton Hall University. His authored books include Ayn Rand and Song of Russia: Communism and Anti-Communism in 1940s Hollywood, The Female in Aristotle's Biology: Reason or Rationalization, and Aristotle's Critique of Plato's Republic; his edited collections include Essays on Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead and Ayn Rand Answers: The Best of her Q&A.