Part One: Ronald and Nancy Reagan: The Bastards Behind the AIDS Crisis

Published in 1943, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand tells the story of Howard Roark, a young and innovative architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision despite the opposition from society. The novel explores themes of individualism, egoism, and the conflict between those who think for themselves (the 'first-handers') and those who follow the opinions of others (the 'second-handers'). It also delves into the lives of other characters such as Dominique Francon, Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Gail Wynand, each representing different aspects of Rand's philosophical ideas. The book is a defense of egoism and individualism, presenting a radical rethinking of basic moral concepts and challenging conventional notions of selfishness and altruism.

This book delves into the role of vices such as alcohol, sex, and drugs in shaping human history. Evans combines historical research with personal experiments to illustrate how these behaviors have contributed to societal development. The book offers a unique blend of history and practical guides, allowing readers to recreate ancient vices.

This book is a meticulous and engaging narrative that explores the initial outbreak and spread of AIDS in the early 1980s. It delves into the personal stories of those affected, the scientific community's efforts to understand the disease, and the often inadequate and politicized responses from government and public health officials. Shilts' work is a critical examination of how societal attitudes, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and personal biases impacted the handling of the epidemic.