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The Fountainhead

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The Fountainhead

By: Ayn Rand
Narrated by: Christopher Hurt
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About this listen

One of the 20th century's most challenging novels of ideas, The Fountainhead champions the cause of individualism through the story of a gifted young architect who defies the tyranny of conventional public opinion. The struggle for personal integrity in a world that values conformity above creativity is powerfully illustrated through three characters: Howard Roarke, the genius who is resented because he creates purely for the delight of his own work and on no other terms; Gail Wynand, the newspaper mogul and self-made millionaire whose power was bought by sacrificing his ideals to the lowest common denominator of public taste; and Dominique Francon, the devastating beauty whose desperate search for meaning has been twisted, through despair, into a quest to destroy the single object of her desire: Howard Roarke. Dramatic, poetic, and demanding, The Fountainhead remains one of the towering books on the contemporary intellectual scene.©1943 The Bobbs-Merrill Company; 1968 Ayn Rand; 1993 Leonard Peikoff (P)1994 Blackstone Audio Inc. Classics Architecture Thought-Provoking Inspiring Fiction

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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." ( New York Times Book Review)

What listeners say about The Fountainhead

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CAPTIVATING !!!

We need more Rourkes in this world!!! Loved the characters and the superb ending!! I will recommend to many♥️♥️♥️

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A prophecy for our time

I am astounded how much the contents of this book describes our modern age. The struggle between individualism and collectivism, and the sacrifices one must make to stand by their values in the face of public pressure.

My main complaint is the narration can be a bit dry, and due to the age, the language is a bit dated. The latter point is extremely minor due to it being a product of its time.

The one rape scene may be off putting, but it was the authors choice to explore the topic briefly. I think it will detract some audiences unfortunately, which is a shame as the book is a profound analysis of our nature.

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Long book, but worth it

The book helps better understand Rand's views on liberty animated by a story of an architect.

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Classic Vintage Recording

What did you like most about The Fountainhead?

Howard Roark

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

The general attitude of the main character and how he carries himself in almost any situation.

Any additional comments?

I return to this every now and then for a refresher and to help bolster my feelings of independence if the are fading.

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Could not put it down

An epic story that’s just as relevant today as it was when it was written. Perfect reading, will get myself a hard copy.

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Brilliant book

As everybody, probably got a bit put off at the beginning due to everybody saying AS was better than this one. AS is my fav book ever, but honestly, this book was so well written and captivating that has nothing to envy from the other book. Ayn Rand again is brilliant.
The narrator as well deserves a commentary as also they play a most important role in making us readers a living part of the story. A book of 30+ hours if not interesting and well narrated, it won’t get too far.
An absolute must!

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Stirring read

The familiar Rand exploitation of individual vs collective interests.

The workbook is well read, with excellent characters, and a deep and thought provoking plot. Wonderful, I enjoyed every minute. I didn't want it to end!

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Great lessons are all in the first 1/4

This story is about how mediocre men who are good at politics destroying the best men, in this case Howard Rourke, by manipulating people whose opinions just follow trends and what they are told to think. It's a great lesson, typical Any Rand, but unfortunately most of the book is completely absurd. The metaphor of Dominique Francone and marrying every other man to destroy them with her indifference is boring and goes on forever with multiple indistinguishable chapters of men who have little bearing on the story professing their love of her. it would be a better book if it focussed on Peter, Elsworth and Howard struggling between politics and competence.

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Surprisingly brilliant!

I loved this book. I expected a heavy tome but got a true masterpiece that was irresistible, thrilling and though provoking.

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loved it

great story, great narration, loved the fact that there were less long winded philosophical passages than in Atlas Shrugged

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