Rand, Ayn (1905–1982)

Russian-born US novelist. Her novel The Fountainhead 1943, describing an idealistic architect who destroys his project rather than see it altered, displays her persuasive blend of vehement anticommunism and fervent philosophy of individual enterprise. Her allegorical novel Atlas Shrugged 1957 was also a best-seller. Her beliefs won her a cult following.

Born and educated in St Petersburg, Rand went to the USA 1926 and settled in Chicago. She became a US citizen 1931. She worked as a scriptwriter in Hollywood and edited The Objectivist, a magazine that promoted Objectivism, her theory of self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism that is presented in her novels. Her other works include We, the Living 1936, The Virtue of Selfishness 1965, Capitalism 1966, The New Left 1971, and Philosophy: Who Needs It? 1982.