Anthem
by William G. Staples
Ayn Rand is an effective mouthpiece for the
evils and harms of collectivism, and the benefits and joy of pure individualism.
This book briefly and very effectively makes this point in the format of
a fiction novel. Social control is shown for what it is - useless, harmful,
degrading and eventually always a failure.
Reviews
Joan DeArmond, Fact Forum News, Dallas
In her usage of the English language she
combines clarity of expression with prose of poetic grace. Here, indeed,
is an anthem - an anthem, not in the idiom of music, but in the more difficult
medium of words alone. This is the most beautiful, the most inspiring novel
this reviewer has ever read. It is an ethical and philosophical rather
than a religious dedication to freedom and the individual.
All-American Books, New Rochelle, NY
Reading this inspired little story is a
rewarding and satisfying experience which no American should deny himself.
Synopsis
A stunning and brilliantly realized future
world in which individuality has been crushed is the theme of Ayn Rand's
bestselling masterpiece, "Anthem". Rand presents her tale of a man
who dares to make individual choices, to seek knowledge in a dark age,
to love the woman of his choice. In a society in which people have no name,
no independence, and no values, he is hunted for the unpardonable crime:
having the courage to stand above the crowd.
About the Author
Ayn Rand said that she decided to be writer,
not in order to save the world nor to serve her fellow men, but for the
simple, personal, selfish, egotistical happiness of creating the kind of
men and events she would like, respect and admire.
She chose her career at the age of nine;
she left home some ten years later and has been on her own ever since.
She had to earn her own living, while struggling to establish herself as
a writer, and has done all sorts of odd jobs; she has worked as a waitress,
and office clerk, a reader for film companies.
She had one of the finest minds and was one
of our greatest writers.
ANTHEM is one of the most beautiful
prose poems ever written. Ruth Alexander, the great Libertarian lecturer
and columnist, has said in her column that ANTHEM is "tender and
terrific - the greatest novel I have ever read, and I have covered the
literary water front in seven languages. You will think - you will weep
- you will be inspired to new determination not to let the creeping evil
of collectivism happen here." It is written with such power and sincerity
and beauty that every thinking American should read it.
Customer Comments
A reader from NYC, September
6, 1999
Wonderful
Ayn Rand has put together a wonderful masterpiece
of love, life, humanism, and morality. It is a beautiful work, portraying
the beauty of freedom, and love. Bravo Ms. Rand!!!
A reader from Birmingham,
Alabama, USA, September 2, 1999
I loved the ideas that were behind the
storyline in Anthem.
I had to read this book for English in 10th
grade and I would just like to say that I loved it. In this book, the word
"I" does not exist. When I first started reading and the narrator was referring
to himself as "we," I was so disoriented. I finally figured out what he
meant and I remember thinking that it was like he didn't even know the
word "I" and it hit me really hard then - he wasn't even taught the word.
raja_acharyya@hotmail.com
from Bangalore, India, August 30, 1999
I liked the beautiful style of the book
I don't know much about Capitalism or Socialism
but the following sentences seem to have inscribed in my mind. This is
what the character in this book thinks - "I shall choose friends among
men, but neither slaves nor masters. And I shall choose only such as please
me, and them I shall love and respect, but neither command nor obey. And
we shall join our hands when we wish, or walk alone when we so desire.
For in the temple of his spirit, each man is alone. Let each man keep his
temple untouchable and undefiled. Then let him join hands with others if
he wishes, but only beyond his holy threshold"
A reader from California,
USA, August 24, 1999
Fantastic
I read it when I was 14 and it was very
easy to read. Rand's ideas are very important. She does a good job portraying
an ego-less society and one man's battle to break free from a collective
world. One of Ayn Rand's finest works.
WizMerlin2@aol.com from
Brooklyn, New York, August 14, 1999
one of the Greatest pieces of Literature
Anthem is one of the finest books I have
ever read. It is short compared to Fountainhead
& Atlas
Shrugged, but it offers you alot. This book tells you of the determination
of one man to succeed against the odds of a communist-like society. His
determination and strength can offer any reader a great time. I am only
15 years old and this books has transformed me into an Ayn Rand fan. I
look forward to reading Atlas Shrugged.
|
