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)

Great story

A good reminder of thing’s almost forgotten. We need more stories like this.

The old idea needs new life.

Still timely after 80 years

Because mankind does not change, the importance of this book will not diminish. Too bad the people who should be reading this, will probably never pick it up.

A challenging novel - mostly in a very good way

This is not an easy novel, not one with a hero or anti-hero one feels with, one wants to go along with and see what happens next. Howard Roark, the novel's protagonist, is a tough nut to crack. He is immovable, he doesn't give an inch, ever, when it comes to his principles. But there lies the crux of the novel - the theme of individualism vs. collectivism. The truth is that our species would have never flourished if we had not learned to collaborate, to compromise, to work together, to find common ground to get things done.

Roark stands there as a brilliant statue on a pedestal, proclaiming the virtues of his ideals, of his utter independence to anyone else. It makes for an intriguing character and I very much liked the novel, even if it comes with a few conveniently contrived coincidences that bring the hero and the heroine of the story together and together again.

I very much like this novel. Rand doesn't make it easy, she forces us to think, to go to uncomfortable places. And one such place is the rape scene which I'd say most definitely is a rape, but she always proclaimed and reasoned that it was not. Well, agree to disagree there. Overall, quite a read even if architecture means nothing to do - it makes you ask yourself a few questions about yourself, about humanity. Again, if humanity were as is Roark, we'd have gone extinct a long time ago. But as for what his independence means in terms of being an artist, I love that ideal.

Hope for a man, is the salvation of mankind!

In a way timeless, man against the machine that is the masses! Rebelling against the entitlement of the large number of the unmotivated who use their failure in numbers to take from those who produce through work and sacrifice!
I only hope that there is still hope.... still the spirit of individuals, the singular man against the world that allows in mediocrity and complaint!
Unfortunately, the blueprint for success and happiness is considered cultural pornography at present, but maybe there are still those with individual spirit who seek self fulfillment of their potential! I pray.......

Long Promise

About 4 years ago a friend told me to read this book - going to school and holding down a full time job - this wasn't possible - then I found Audibles - I loved this book - wanted more - it was such an insight....I want the next book, next books, I want to follow them through life.....

Stories and characters

I really enjoy this narrator, very easy to listen to and changes voice tone when different characters are speaking. The story itself is a dizzying roller coaster. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Great performance and great abridgment

This is an abridged version of the book but it’s done very well. The performance is incredible. Highly recommend this to people who are new to Ayn Rand.

One of the best books ever written!

I have read this book twice, & listened to it once. And will do it again. It's a classic, & true reflection of man & society. I need say no more.

Inspiring

After reading Atlas Shrugged I've always wanted to read The Fountainhead. A great book for those who are looking to become an entrepeneur.

I enjoyed the story

I enjoyed her description of man at his highest. over the other hand she is really negative about even slight imperfection.

Ayn Rand is a wonderful descriptive author that I love.

the voice talent is great. his voice is awesome.