The Art of Fiction, Ayn Rand
The Art of Fiction, Ayn Rand
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The Art of Fiction
A Guide for Writers and Readers

Author: Ayn Rand, Leonard Peikoff, Tore Boeckmann

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Unabridged: 6 hr 50 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/01/2006


Synopsis

In 1958, Ayn Rand, legendary author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, gave an informal course to friends and acquaintances on the art of reading and writing fiction. Now the edited transcripts of these sessions are available to readers and aspiring writers.Ayn Rand discusses how a writer combines abstract ideas with concrete action and description to achieve a unity of theme, plot, characterization, and style, the four essential elements of fiction. She explains why "You cannot borrow another man's soul, and you cannot borrow his style," and why "Every writer is a moral philosopher." Here, too, are Rand's illuminating analyses of passages from writers like Victor Hugo and Thomas Wolfe, as well as fascinating rules for building dramatic plots and characters with depth.Clear, concise, and accessible,The Art of Fictionis an invaluable gift from one of our most enduring authors and an indispensable resource for all lovers of literature.

About Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was born in Russia, graduated from the University of Leningrad, and came to the United States in 1926. She published her first novel in 1936. With the publication of The Fountainhead in 1943, she achieved a spectacular and enduring success, and her unique philosophy, Objectivism, gained a worldwide following.

About Marguerite Gavin

Marguerite Gavin is a seasoned theater veteran, a five-time nominee for the prestigious Audie Award, and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones and Publishers Weekly awards. Marguerite has been an actor, director, and audiobook narrator for her entire professional career, and has over four hundred titles to her credit.

About Leonard Peikoff

Leonard Peikoff is universally recognized as the preeminent Rand scholar writing today. He worked closely with Ayn Rand for thirty years and was designated by her as heir to her estate. He has taught philosophy at Hunter College, Long Island University, and New York University. Peikoff for many years lectured on Rand’s philosophy throughout the country. He lives in Southern California.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Austin on April 04, 2011

It's really hard for me to give Ayn Rand 5 Stars because I really really dislike her. For one thing, I think a lot of the things she says are absolutely off the wall crazy (and that's being nice)... I still question whether or not most of her adoring fans have ever actually read her books. All in al......more

Goodreads review by Laura on March 13, 2012

Teaching creative writing again this semester got me in the mood to do more research for my students, so I read this quick one for them before we started our fiction unit. I would not recommend it for anyone who has a weak stomach for Rand's philosophies and her ego, but if you're okay with both the......more

Goodreads review by Rami on February 19, 2020

Excellent guide by Ayn Rand. Exceeded my expectations. This is not the 101 of fiction for beginners, This should be your second book to read in your writing project. Very personal experience and insightful tips shared back then in tge form of lectures at Rand's home. highly recommended......more

Goodreads review by Sandy on April 23, 2009

Terry Goodkind told me to buy and read this book. So I did. Now I recommend other writers do the same. Period.......more

Goodreads review by Ilyn on August 23, 2009

Ayn Rand is an excellent teacher.......more