The Fountainhead

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

The Fountainhead studies the conflict between artistic genius and social convention, a theme Ayn Rand later developed into the idealistic philosophy knows as Objectivism. Rand's hero is Howard Roark, a brilliant young architect who won't compromise his integrity, especially in the unconventional buildings he designs. Roark is engaged in ideological warfare with a society that despises him, an architectural community that doesn't understand him, and a woman who loves him but wants to destroy him. His struggle raises questions about society's attitude toward revolutionaries. Since this book's publication in 1943, Rand's controversial ideas have made her one of the best-selling authors of all time.

©1943 The Bobbs-Merrill Company, renewed 1971 Ayn Rand (P)1994 Penguin-HighBridge Audio

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." (The New York Times)

epic, sweeping saga

Thank you audible.com, for making it possible for me to find the time to revisit novels like this jewel! I first read this at my mentor's suggestion when I began to study Architecture 30 yrs ago. Still some timely warnings for today's audience in 2019.

Eye opening for the open minded

This book is the most eye opening I've I've had the experience to read or listen to sense "how to win friends and influence people" . I highly recommend this book for anyone of any age wanting to understand the world and the way it should be and the way we should interact for a more positive outcome for society. Next up, Atlas shrugged"...

I listen to this book every few years

What made the experience of listening to The Fountainhead the most enjoyable?

The story of a man standing up for what he believes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Fountainhead?

Testimony at the trial no apology

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely but a little long to pull off

One of the best

Ayn is an influential author who offers an eye-opening perspective on the world. There is no middle ground for this one. It will either change your life or infuriate you. Either way you will learn something about yourself and how you see the world (or you will choose not to).

This is the favorite book of the people you admire

... whether they admitted or not in this political environment. No one hates the protagonist, despite what they say. They do envy him and fear him .

Inspiring

Don’t live second hand. Be true to yourself, unapologetically and fearlessly. Rugged individualism idealized in such a beautiful way to stir the heart.

Awesome book

Expertly narrated, good audio quality. Great novel, I wish it were abridged to about 12 hours instead of 8.5 so I could have gotten more of Ayn Rand's writing. The plot moves along smartly and the speeches make their points much more succinctly than in Atlas Shrugged. Dominique is not someone I'd hold up as a role model for how to make a happy marriage, but I don't think this novel is an allegory about marriage. It is about quality and competence. Nearly all the characters are archetypes or stereotypes. But the points and philosophy are important for everyone to understand. Highly recommended.

Triumph of the human spirit

Great story that encourages readers to be true to themselves and accomplish their goals in life.

good

very good narration. Ayn Rand as passionate as ever. Which is to say what you think either way.

Men for others

The absurdity of this tale from Rand is only out done by it's timeless truth.