The Romantic Manifesto

A Philosophy of Literature

By: Ayn Rand

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

In this beautifully written and brilliantly reasoned collection of essays, Ayn Rand throws new light on the nature of art and its purpose in human life. Once again, Rand demonstrates her bold originality and her refusal to let conventional ideas define her sense of the truth.

Rand eloquently asserts that one cannot create art without infusing it with one's own value judgments and personal philosophy - even an attempt to withhold moral overtones only results in a deterministic or naturalistic message. Because the moral influence of art is inescapable, she argues, art should always strive to elevate the human spirit.

The Romantic Manifesto takes its place beside The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged as one of the most important achievements of our time.

©1971 The Objectivist, Inc. (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Coherent

So much nonfiction is just incoherent and obscure. This however is very well written. I do not agree with Rand on many topics but I respect her being honest and clear in expressing her opinion. As I was listening I was thinking this is not the Romanticism I was taught in school. Then I noticed Rand admitting that her definition of Romanticism was not the same as others. It is a bit dated. I think I detected a note of humor in the voice of the narrator when Rand recommends the short stories of O Henry.

what is art?

this book is an excellent explanation of what art is and is not. it explains how art is the crowning piece to philosophy. the purpose of art is to show and inspire man to the highest possible good.

Fuel for life

Every time I consume Rand, I am reinvigorated. Nobody moves me, motivates me, and inspires me like she does. The narrator was perfect. Easy listening. I couldn't stop.

Great

Overall I loved this. Excellent novel. Rand was a great philosopher and writer. Highly recommend listening to this.

Essential AYN

The Good...Ayn on Art is as clear, specific and interesting as her other works, only now it is on art. THink of it as reverse Toohey. This is the philosophy behind the creation of fountainhead and atlas. As someone who has studied the philosophy of art, I highly recommend it. Unlike most in that field, she actually has something to say and says it with the aim of you understanding. It is surprisingly relevant to understanding art today. If you are a writer or artist this is a must.
The Bad...narrator moves a little slowly. It's good for digestion, but less fluid than a casual read.