Available Copies from Independent Booksellers
RAND, Ayn. The Fountainhead. Bobbs-Merrill, Indianapolis, 1943.
Price: US$6500.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: Early reprint in gray papercovered boards stamped in blue. Near fine in a nice, near fine dustwrapper. Inscribed by Rand and dated by her in 1968.
Seller: Between the Covers-Rare Books, Inc. ABAA, Gloucester City, NJ, U.S.A.
Rand, Ayn. The Fountainhead.. Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, 1943.
Price: US$11000.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, first issue with first edition stated on the copyright page of the author's first major novel, as well as her first best-seller. Octavo, bound in full morocco, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands, gilt ruled to the front and rear panel, marbled endpapers, original red cloth bound in at rear. Boldly signed by Ayn Rand on the title page. In fine condition. Although Rand was a previously published novelist and had a successful Broadway play, she faced difficulty in finding a publisher she thought right for The Fountainhead. She let Macmillian Publishing go when they rejected her demand for better publicity (Branden, 1986), and when her agent criticized the novel, she fired him and handled submissions herself (Burns, 2009). After sifting through eleven more publishers, Rand finally released The Fountainhead with Bobbs-Merrill Company in 1943. The reception was instant, and The Fountainhead became a bestseller in two years. The protagonist, Howard Roark, whose character was thought to be inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a young architect fighting against convention. Cited by numerous architects as an inspiration, Ayn Rand said the theme of the book was "individualism versus collectivism, not within politics but within a man's soul." Rand chose architecture as the analogy of her heady themes because of the context of the ascent of modern architecture. It provided an appropriate mode to make relevant her beliefs that the individual is of supreme value, the "fountainhead" of creativity, and that selfishness, properly understood as ethical egoism, is a virtue. Some critics consider The Fountainhead to be Rand's best novel (Merill, 1991). Indeed, philosopher Mark Kingwell described it as "Rand's best work" (Kingwell, 2006). In 1949 it was adapted to film, produced by Henry Blanke, directed by King Vidor, starring Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey, Robert Douglas, and Kent Smith.
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Price: US$12500.00 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Stated at copyright: First Edition. Maroon (dark red) full-cloth boards, gilt cover and spine titles, varying spine wear, crease, rub, bump. Pages very good; no writing. Bind good, moderate offset; hinges intact. Presented and preserved in an original second state wrapper of the first edition. Dust wrapper w/moderate shelf wear, rub; unclipped 3.00, protected in fine clear sleeve. Larger 6" x 8 3/4" design. Rare near very good first printing in same wrapper. Accompanying this first edition is a signed Ayn Rand letter dated June 5, 1946 in reference to the The Fountainhead motion picture in pre-production, written and hand signed: "Ayn Rand". Typed on original stationery with Hal Wallis Productions at Paramount Studios letterhead, the message conveys to Miss Nickie Tipps, apparently an producer's assistant, that Rand is happy that both the novel and the screenplay also composed by Rand, are both well liked. Letter has been folded in three. Included in this collection is the rare booklet referred to in signed letter entitled: "A Letter from Ayn Rand, Author of The Fountainhead". Moderate shelf wear, upper edge discoloration; saddle-stitch bind, fine. Issued by Bobbs-Merrill in response to the deluge of requests for details about the novel and its author. Rand addresses readers and interested parties on her motivation and intent in writing this intriguing novel of philosophical fiction. Finally, set into volume, as page marker or novel reference, are two First Day of Issue commemorative envelopes for the issuance of the classic 33 cent stamp honoring Ayn Rand's vision. The first features 22k gold plated replica of the Rand stamp on maroon velvet b.g.; and the second with a stylish period painting for The Fountainhead. Concise informative biography of her life and achievement on another matching card. The Fountainhead is an unprecedented phenomenon in modern literature. Arguably the century's most challenging novel of ideas; when first published it created a public furor and worldwide interest in Ayn Rand. On the surface, it is the story of a gifted young architect, his violent battle with conventional standards, and his explosive love affair with the beautiful woman who struggles to defeat him. In his fight for success, he first discovers and then rejects the seductive power of fame and money, finding that individual integrity must ultimately triumph. The story addresses a number of universal themes: the strength of the creative soul, the tug between good and evil, the threat of fascism, whether overt or hidden. The confrontation of these themes, along with the amazing stroke of Rand's writing, combine to give this creative classic its enduring influence. More relevant today than when written. 754 pages. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall
Seller: The BiblioFile, Rapid River, MI, U.S.A.
Ayn Rand. THE FOUNTAINHEAD Signed. Bobbs-Merrill, Indianapolis, IN, 1943.
Price: US$12538.00 + shipping
Description: Very Good in a Very Good dust jacket. Some staining spots to edge pages Early issue. ; Signed by Ayn Rand on the title page. ; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall; Original unclipped dust jacket protected by archival Brodart cover. All domestic orders shipped protected in a Box.; Signed by Author.
Seller: Rare Book Cellar, Pomona, NY, U.S.A.
Rand, Ayn. The Fountainhead.. Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, 1943.
Price: US$75000.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, first issue with first edition stated on the copyright page of the author's first major novel, as well as her first best-seller. Octavo, original red cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author in the year of publication on the front free endpaper, "To Gertrude Lynneberg- - with my best wishes for long years of happiness- Ayn Rand November 16, 1943." The recipient, Gertrude Lynneberg was the sister-in- law to Linda Lynneberg, also known as Aslaug Lynneberg, a lifelong friend of Rand. Near fine in a very good first issue dust jacket with some chips and wear. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box made by the Harcourt Bindery. First editions in the original dust jacket are uncommon, association copies rare. Although Rand was a previously published novelist and had a successful Broadway play, she faced difficulty in finding a publisher she thought right for The Fountainhead. She let Macmillian Publishing go when they rejected her demand for better publicity (Branden, 1986), and when her agent criticized the novel, she fired him and handled submissions herself (Burns, 2009). After sifting through eleven more publishers, Rand finally released The Fountainhead with Bobbs-Merrill Company in 1943. The reception was instant, and The Fountainhead became a bestseller in two years. The protagonist, Howard Roark, whose character was thought to be inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a young architect fighting against convention. Cited by numerous architects as an inspiration, Ayn Rand said the theme of the book was "individualism versus collectivism, not within politics but within a man's soul." Rand chose architecture as the analogy of her heady themes because of the context of the ascent of modern architecture. It provided an appropriate mode to make relevant her beliefs that the individual is of supreme value, the "fountainhead" of creativity, and that selfishness, properly understood as ethical egoism, is a virtue. Some critics consider The Fountainhead to be Rand's best novel (Merill, 1991). Indeed, philosopher Mark Kingwell described it as "Rand's best work" (Kingwell, 2006). In 1949 it was adapted to film, produced by Henry Blanke, directed by King Vidor, starring Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey, Robert Douglas, and Kent Smith.
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Rand, Ayn. The Fountainhead.. Bobbs-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, 1943.
Price: US$200000.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, first issue with first edition stated on the copyright page of the author's first major novel, as well as her first best-seller. Octavo, original red cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, "To Jack L. Warner - Thank you for your courage and for a magnificent picture - with my profound gratitude - Ayn Rand. January 7, 1949." The recipient, Jack Warner, was the co-founder, president, and driving force behind the Warner Bros. Studios. His career spanned some 45 years, its duration surpassing that of any other of the seminal Hollywood studio moguls. Rand sold the film rights to Warner several years earlier with the contractual proviso that she would provide the screenplay, which would be unalterable. In fact, the director wanted changes, but Warner supported the author and honored the contract. This book's inscription, clearly referring to this, was presented about a half year prior to the film's release. Of Rand's fiction, The Fountainhead is generally conceded to be her most important and enduring work, a passionate portrait of uncompromising individualism. In the decades since its debut, the film has gained the critical acceptance, even the acclaim, that initially evaded it. Near fine in a near fine first-issue dust jacket with a touch of rubbing and no fading to the spine, which is endemic to this title. Housed in a custom full morocco clamshell box by The Harcourt Bindery. One of the finest association copies possible, linking the famed author with the legendary founder of Warner Brothers and producer of the iconic film. Although Rand was a previously published novelist and had a successful Broadway play, she faced difficulty in finding a publisher she thought right for The Fountainhead. She let Macmillian Publishing go when they rejected her demand for better publicity (Branden, 1986), and when her agent criticized the novel, she fired him and handled submissions herself (Burns, 2009). After sifting through eleven more publishers, Rand finally released The Fountainhead with Bobbs-Merrill Company in 1943. The reception was instant, and The Fountainhead became a bestseller in two years. The protagonist, Howard Roark, whose character was thought to be inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a young architect fighting against convention. Cited by numerous architects as an inspiration, Ayn Rand said the theme of the book was "individualism versus collectivism, not within politics but within a man's soul." Rand chose architecture as the analogy of her heady themes because of the context of the ascent of modern architecture. It provided an appropriate mode to make relevant her beliefs that the individual is of supreme value, the "fountainhead" of creativity, and that selfishness, properly understood as ethical egoism, is a virtue. Some critics consider The Fountainhead to be Rand's best novel (Merill, 1991). Indeed, philosopher Mark Kingwell described it as "Rand's best work" (Kingwell, 2006). In 1949 it was adapted to film, produced by Henry Blanke, directed by King Vidor, starring Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey, Robert Douglas, and Kent Smith.
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.