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)

AynRand is a genius

I read Atlas Shrugged and was told to read The Fountainhead so I did. This book is incredible it has the same type of theme as Atlas Shrugged. The character development is precise. Sun has an uncanny way of developing her stories. The endings always make me feel accomplished somehow. My favorites lines were:
"I could die for you but I wouldn't live for you"

"A self sufficient ego"
Great book!!!!

Best book I've read

This book really shows what it is to have self worth. To believe in yourself and your craft amongst all else. This is, the best book, of 47 I've listen too, yet and perhaps ever.

Great

Could not stop listening a great story. I will read the rest of Ayn Rand's work.

Not up to date book

My book was a student version and was skipping all over their place
So yeah

One of a kind

This book is a framework for thinking larger than life.
-Highly recommend
-Well written
-Well read
-Meaningful storyline
-Good until the end

A deep message to certain, very special people on earth…

FANTASTIC!! Now it’s time to see the original film! Why hasn’t there been a modern remake? Does the message instill fear in political leadership? 🤣

The cure for the modern world

Should be required reading on college campuses. Our world would be more balanced if our new adults were introduced to these ideas.

Great book!

I started this book in high school and now I wish I had finished it back 15 years ago. I will listen to this again!!

very nice well written story, good narrative.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fountainhead to be better than the print version?

I did'nt read the book, just listened to the narration and it was very good.

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

The speech of Howard Roark in the court.

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

Howard Roark

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

Howard Roark

Any additional comments?

the book shows something about the writers personality, she believes in the superiority of some peaple above others, even she justifies destroying buildings for personal interests.

Transformative. A must listen

At 13 I couldn’t get into the story and gave up. Had I had the good fortune of the gifted narrator, Edward Herrmann, I would have finished it then. The narrator has the rare gift of bringing this story to life. He’s probably my all time favorite and I wish he could narrate everything on audible and my iPhone when I use narration function. Thank you audible for this gifted narrator.