Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged: A Philosophical and Literary Companion

by Edward W. Younkins (Editor)

Since its publication in 1957 Atlas Shrugged, the philosophical and artistic climax of Ayn Rand's novels, has never been out of print and has received enormous critical attention becoming one of the most influential books ever published, impacting on a variety of disciplines including philosophy, literature, economics, business, and political science among others. More than a great novel, Atlas Shrugged is an abstract conceptual, and symbolic work that expounds a radical philosophy, presenting a view of man and man's relationship to existence and manifesting the essentials of an entire philosophical system - metaphysics, epistemology, politics and ethics. Celebrating the fiftieth year of Atlas Shrugged's publication, this companion is an exploration of this monumental work of literature. Contributions have been specially commissioned from a diversity of eminent scholars who admire and have been influenced by the book, the included essays analyzing the novel's integrating elements of theme, plot and characterization from many perspectives and from various levels of meaning.

Genres: Philosophy

432 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays on Rand’s literary masterpiece, Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged: A Philosophical and Literary Companion is an interesting exploration of Randian philosophy. Unfortunately, all of the authors appear to be die hard Randians and aren’t too critical of Rand or her work; offering universal praise. Still, some intriguing insights and perspectives are presented; including Rand’s cinematic eye, her use of myth, and her economic and philosophic inspirations. Yet several of the essays are overly analytical and aren’t directly related to Atlas Shrugged. While Younkins has done a fair job of collecting an array of diverse articles, the intensity of the Objectivist propaganda makes Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged: A Philosophical and Literary Companion a challenging read for the unconverted.

[Virginia Murr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I am published in this one ... but I would have liked it anyway!