3.0
Ideal
ByPublisher Description
NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED
In print for the first time ever, author and philosopher Ayn Rand’s novel Ideal.
Originally conceived as a novel, but then transformed into a play by Ayn Rand, Ideal is the story of beautiful but tormented actress Kay Gonda. Accused of murder, she is on the run and turns for help to six fans who have written letters to her, each telling her that she represents their ideal—a respectable family man, a far-left activist, a cynical artist, an evangelist, a playboy, and a lost soul. Each reacts to her plight in his own way, their reactions a glimpse into their secret selves and their true values. In the end their responses to her pleas give Kay the answers she has been seeking.
Ideal was written in 1934 as a novel, but Ayn Rand thought the theme of the piece would be better realized as a play and put the novel aside. Now, both versions of Ideal are available for the first time ever to the millions of Ayn Rand fans around the world, giving them a unique opportunity to explore the creative process of Rand as she wrote first a book, then a play, and the differences between the two.
INCLUDES AN INTRODUCTION BY LEONARD PEIKOFF
In print for the first time ever, author and philosopher Ayn Rand’s novel Ideal.
Originally conceived as a novel, but then transformed into a play by Ayn Rand, Ideal is the story of beautiful but tormented actress Kay Gonda. Accused of murder, she is on the run and turns for help to six fans who have written letters to her, each telling her that she represents their ideal—a respectable family man, a far-left activist, a cynical artist, an evangelist, a playboy, and a lost soul. Each reacts to her plight in his own way, their reactions a glimpse into their secret selves and their true values. In the end their responses to her pleas give Kay the answers she has been seeking.
Ideal was written in 1934 as a novel, but Ayn Rand thought the theme of the piece would be better realized as a play and put the novel aside. Now, both versions of Ideal are available for the first time ever to the millions of Ayn Rand fans around the world, giving them a unique opportunity to explore the creative process of Rand as she wrote first a book, then a play, and the differences between the two.
INCLUDES AN INTRODUCTION BY LEONARD PEIKOFF
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesIdeal Reviews
3.0
“the letters could’ve been cut down by one or two because of how repetitive it gets but the author does make interesting points on the public perception of celebrities and deifying them to the point where basic needs aren’t considered essential, because they’re gods”
“Complete and utter tripe. There’s a reason Rand (rightly) decided not to publish this. Why the executor made the decision to move forward with publishing is beyond me. The preface alone is grounds for concern; the writing is that of a spiraling Rand, unsure of what to believe and disillusioned at the hands of the depravity of human nature and our broken world. Surprise, surprise - people have a tendency to deceit and to betrayal. Clearly people engaged in both with Rand, and she writes in a manner fitting for a personal diary. Not at all subtle, or brilliant; merely sad and vapid. A far cry from a titanic monologue like “This is John Galt speaking.”
But I blame the executor for publishing it, not Rand for writing it. I don’t judge a writer for writing “true to themselves,” writing “what one knows.” Rather than railing against the writer, I’ll squarely contend with the executor. This work shouldn’t have seen the public eye. Rand knew that. Again - that’s why it remained unpublished.”
About Ayn Rand
Born February 2, 1905, Ayn Rand published her first novel, We the Living, in 1936. Anthem followed in 1938. It was with the publication of The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957) that she achieved her spectacular success. Rand’s unique philosophy, Objectivism, has gained a worldwide audience. The fundamentals of her philosophy are put forth in three nonfiction books, Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, The Virtues of Selfishness, and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. They are all available in Signet editions, as is the magnificent statement of her artistic credo, The Romantic Manifesto.
Other books by Ayn Rand
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