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  • The Fountainhead

  • By: Ayn Rand
  • Narrated by: Christopher Hurt
  • Length: 32 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (766 ratings)

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The Fountainhead

By: Ayn Rand
Narrated by: Christopher Hurt
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Summary

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.
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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

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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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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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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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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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

great listen , a story on the struggles of life

great listen , a good story on the struggles of life and of being a true individual

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Characterful

Brilliantly narrated. A most enjoyable read. Gripping and colourful with strong characters and storytelling, never dull.

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Best book I have ever read/listened to

Although long, it has become my favourite book. I like the descriptions, the story, the emotions it elicits. I like Christopher Hurts’s performance in producing the different tones for different people’s voices, it was very convincing.

I can’t praise this book enough. I will be listening to more of the author’s books (audiobooks).

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Controversial, but a classic

Whether one agrees with the philosophy or not, The Fountainhead remains a fascinating book. Its characters are very illustrative of Rand's world view, and the speeches they deliver cannot but move you.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Philosophy of the book

Left me perplexed about the world that I knew before I listened to this world. I noticed how I am a second hander and how we all are glorifying mediocrity. I find it extremely unsettling. But I am happy I read it before I died.

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