Anthem
Anthem by Ayn Rand is a dystopian novella that confronts collectivism and champions individualism. Set in a future society, it follows the journey of Equality 7-2521 as he seeks to reclaim his own identity in a world where personal expression is forbidden. Published in 1938, this thought-provoking work serves as a precursor to Rand's philosophical explorations and offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme conformity. The true first edition was published by Cassell in England in 1938 and is now extremely rare. The first American edition was published as a softbound edition by Pamphleteers Press as Vol III, No 1 of "The Freeman Magazine" in 1946. This is the "Bookstore Edition" of that publication and considered the second American Edition. The first American hardcover was not published until 1953 by Caxton.
Softcover. Second American Edition. Octavo, beige printed wrappers. Los Angeles: Pamphleteers Inc., 1946. #10369.
Owner name and inscription inside. Good to very good copy with soiling and toning to pages, covers also soiled with faint staining visible on close inspection. All pages intact and binding is tight and uncreased. Mostly just the exterior is worn. The interior and contents are very good.
Anthem is a novella written by Ayn Rand, originally published in 1938. It is a dystopian science fiction story set in a future society where individualism is suppressed and collectivism is enforced. The narrative follows the protagonist, a young man named Equality 7-2521, who struggles to break free from the rigid societal norms that prohibit personal expression and independent thought.
In this controlled world, personal pronouns like "I" and "me" are forbidden, and the concept of self has been eradicated in favor of the collective "we." Despite the oppression, Equality 7-2521 yearns to understand the world, rediscover lost knowledge, and seek his own identity.
The novella is a philosophical exploration of individualism, freedom, and the power of independent thought. It champions the importance of the individual as a creative force and highlights the dangers of suppressing personal aspirations and potential in the name of conformity.
Anthem is a concise yet thought-provoking work that presents Rand's philosophical ideas about individualism, rationality, and the nature of society. It serves as a precursor to her larger works, such as The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, and offers readers an engaging entry point into Rand's philosophical viewpoints.