The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, First Edition, 1943

Rand, Ayn. The Fountainhead. New York: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1943. First edition printing. Octavo. Rebound in modern half red Moroccan leather and marbled boards, with gilt tooling and titles to the spine, and the original dust jacket bound-in. 

Presented is a first edition printing of The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. The Fountainhead is Ayn Rand's best-selling and unforgettable celebration of the individual spirit. The book is rebound in stunning red half calf leather and marbled boards, with gilt tooling and titles to the spine, and the original dust jacket bound-in. 

From 1935-1943, Rand worked as a secretary in an architectural firm, during which time she wrote The Fountainhead, her first Objectivist novel and her first bestseller. The book follows the protagonist Howard Roark, a young architect struggling to stay true to his own vision against more conventional and mainstream ideas.  As the original dust jacket explained, "This book is based on a challenging belief in the importance of selfishness, on the provocative idea that man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress."

Initially rejected by twelve publishers, and firing one over publicity plans, Rand finally found a publisher in Bobbs-Merrill. She released The Fountainhead in 1943. Just 7500 copies were initially printed. Despite harsh criticism, the book gradually found its audience and became one of the high spots of American literature. Rand later would also write the screenplay for the film version of the novel, released in 1949 and starring Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal.

CONDITION: 

Very good condition overall. First edition. Octavo. Rebound in modern half red Moroccan leather and marbled boards, with gilt tooling and titles to the spine, and the original dust jacket bound-in.  Interior pages are healthy and clean. Book Dimensions: 8 7/8" H x 6 1/4" W x 1 7/8" D.