The Fountainhead

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: Christopher Hurt

Length: 32 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the 20th century's most challenging novels of ideas, The Fountainhead champions the cause of individualism through the story of a gifted young architect who defies the tyranny of conventional public opinion. The struggle for personal integrity in a world that values conformity above creativity is powerfully illustrated through three characters: Howard Roarke, the genius who is resented because he creates purely for the delight of his own work and on no other terms; Gail Wynand, the newspaper mogul and self-made millionaire whose power was bought by sacrificing his ideals to the lowest common denominator of public taste; and Dominique Francon, the devastating beauty whose desperate search for meaning has been twisted, through despair, into a quest to destroy the single object of her desire: Howard Roarke. Dramatic, poetic, and demanding, The Fountainhead remains one of the towering books on the contemporary intellectual scene.

©1943 The Bobbs-Merrill Company; 1968 Ayn Rand; 1993 Leonard Peikoff (P)1994 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Ayn Rand is a writer of great power. She has a subtle and ingenious mind and the capacity of writing brilliantly, beautifully, bitterly." ( New York Times Book Review)

It's pointless to summarize such a book

It's a great book that kept me busy for months listening to it with interest. Ayn Rand should not be summarized, she should be read.

The recording is at a high pitch, which is not pleasant to the ear. I wish they used an equalizer to make it nicer, but I survived through it. Not sure I would have heard this version again if I had a chance to restart.

Ari Shaffir

Ari Shaffir (Jew comedian extrodinaire) recommended this book on several different podcasts. He said, and I'm paraphrasing here, that this book changed his life.

Proud American

Even more more true today then when it was written. Creators versus peasants, could not be more accurate. A strong society can only be built by strong individuals. Altruism is a fairytale could could never succeed. Very much like socialism or communism. Capitalism may not be perfect but it is the world is ever seen.

A personal go-to favorite

A favorite. I have re-read (and listened) to The Fountainhead for the last decade, and Mr. Hurt does a wonderful job narrating.

The Triumph of Individualism

Ayn makes a case for the moral superiority of individualism over collectivism. She shows how human flourishing can only be achieved when people seek to create for their personal fulfillment, when people seek that which truly gives their life value and enjoyment. She decries the moral atrocities of collectivism cloaked in the terms of altruism and selflessness. The antagonist uses these ideas to guilt others into submitting to his agenda and abandon thinking for themselves, thus giving him the power he seeks.

Simply Amazing

Everyone should read or listen to this book. This book should be part of school’s curriculum.

Amazing book

A philosophical giant, great narrator, loved it and will use it to live my life according to the principles.

Still a timely classic

Revisited Fountainhead. Twenty years since my last read. The themes and underlying storyline are as or more relevant than when she wrote them - over half a century ago. Long but so worth the time.

Great story

What a great read. It shows that humanity really is full of crap. Howard Rourke is one of the best characters I have ever read.

Amazing

Must read. Challenge yourself to be more Howard Roark than Peter Keating. Also, great narration.