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)

Beautiful Message

I binged the book even though it was my second time reading it. The Characters are very strong and unique. I love how creativity is celebrated. This book always inspires me to stay true to my beliefs and creative nature <3

not as in your face atlas shrugged

not as in your face with the philosophy as atlas shrugged. not sure if I like that more or less but this one was easier to listen to without feeling like I should stop and reflect or take notes along the way. I bookmarked a lot less in this book and just listened to the story more.

A must read

“It is the unsacrificed self that we must respect in man above all.”

A must read.

school

I loved this book in high school, and it is still fantastic.
I enjoyed the stories journey between collectivism and individualism on the topic of the pursuit of happiness and what that means.

the title is utterly unremarkable.

This is a really interesting story, strange at times and my biggest take away is we all like what we like.

Great! Now I want to read the unabridged version!

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

I was continuously astonished by the fact that this book was written by a woman in the 1940's, yet the entire story could take place in the new millennium from the viewpoint of modern men & women of our time. I am intrigued that Rand wisely chose the world of architecture to perfectly parallel the way men chose to reflect society's perceived desires, opinions and beliefs. She is an inspiration to me as a woman, who has allowed herself the freedom to think beyond the limitations of society's standards. I love her raw honesty of true human nature and the way she depicts how individuals chose their paths.

What other book might you compare The Fountainhead to and why?

I definitely want to read more Any Rand books. This is the first novel of this type that I have ever read. I can only compare the philosophical journey to Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha;" and my utter fascination with the author's ability to depict the characters of opposite gender with accurate and believable inner dialogues, with Arthur Golden's "Memoirs of a Geisha."

Which character – as performed by Edward Herrmann – was your favorite?

He animated Gayle Wynan and Edward Toohey very well. His attempt at performing Dominique's voice was funny. He gave her a low-toned, smokey Stepford Wife voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The two separate moments when Toohey and Roark spoke of their philosophy on altruism. I could contemplate and listen to them over and over again.

Any additional comments?

I started reading the unabridged version but lack of free time was keeping me from making the progress that I wanted to make. I hesitantly chose the abridged version when I ordered this audio book to be time efficient, but now I wish that I had ordered the unabridged. I kept going to the book to see what I was missing in between. I will probably continue to read the unabridged version after all!

One of the best books I have ever read

In so many aspects, I so enjoyed listening to this book. It is multilayered and on every reading I soak some more.
Also the narrator is super talented, delivers to story so well.

The Self

The book exceeded my exceptions especially since I'm not a fan of fictional books. The conversations between Roark and Wynand are my favorite. I can personally relate to Roark..made me feel not alone.

Stand for what you believe.

It's very inspiring to not give in when you really believe in something. Go for it.

Classic !!! one have to read this book.

What did you love best about The Fountainhead?

The audio was excellent, I loved the tone and modulation. well narrated!!!

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

wowww, he did a awesome job in bringing the modulation to the tone of the dialogue. i enjoyed the narration.

Who was the most memorable character of The Fountainhead and why?

All characters are unique in way and well played.