Behind-the-Scenes of Ayn Rand’s Second Interview with Mike Wallace

Written in 1960, 'The Conscience of a Conservative' by Barry Goldwater is a seminal work that laid out conservative principles and policies. The book, ghostwritten by L. Brent Bozell, argues for the importance of conservative values such as freedom, limited government, and the maintenance of social order. Goldwater discusses various issues including civil rights, taxes, the welfare state, and the Soviet threat, advocating for a return to traditional conservative ideals. The book had a significant impact on American conservatism, transforming it from an abstract set of ideas into a practical political philosophy and influencing subsequent generations of conservatives.

This collection compiles Ayn Rand's personal and professional correspondence, offering insights into her life, philosophy, and literary process. The letters reveal Rand's intellectual development, her relationships with other writers and thinkers, and her passionate advocacy for Objectivism. They provide a rich context for understanding her novels and philosophical essays, shedding light on her motivations and the evolution of her ideas. The letters also showcase Rand's personality, her wit, and her unwavering commitment to her principles. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Rand's life and the enduring influence of her work.

Published in 1957, 'Atlas Shrugged' is Ayn Rand's magnum opus and her longest novel. The story is set in a dystopian United States where increasingly burdensome laws and regulations strangle innovation and productivity. The plot follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a steel magnate, as they struggle against 'looters' who exploit their work. A mysterious figure named John Galt leads a strike of productive individuals, persuading them to abandon their companies and disappear. The novel culminates with Galt's three-hour radio speech explaining his philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and the importance of the human mind. The book explores themes of capitalism, property rights, and the failures of governmental coercion, presenting a provocative vision of a society in collapse and the potential for a new capitalist society based on Galt's principles.