The Fountainhead [First Printing] Rand, Ayn

Stated first edition at copyright page: "Copyright, 1943, The Bobbs-Merril Company. Manufactured in the United States. First Edition." Larger 6" x 8 3/4" design in first state, or issue, red cloth boards. Dark red full-cloth boards, gilt cover and spine titles, moderate shelf, spine, corner wear, toning. Light red tint to exterior top-stain. Slightly deckled pages, very good; clean, with attractive toning. Antiquarian owner's stamp inside cover behind front flap: "Joseph H. Cohen, 178 Dudley St., Brookline - Mass." Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Presented and preserved in a fine facsimile of original first issue wrapper; protected in new clear sleeve. Rare very good first printing in fine facsimile wrapper. Additionally, set into volume, as page marker or novel reference, is a Day of Issue commemorative envelope for the issuance of the classic 33 cent stamp honoring Ayn Rand's vision. This collectible features a 22k gold plated replica of the Rand stamp on maroon velvet b.g. 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, and 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. Printed at The Cornwall Press, Inc. Cornwall, N. Y. 754 pages. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall