The Fountainhead [First Edition with Signed Correspondence]

Indianapolis - New York: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1943. Stated at copyright: First Edition. Maroon (dark red) full-cloth boards, gilt cover and spine titles, varying spine wear, crease, rub, bump. Pages very good; no writing. Bind good, moderate offset; hinges intact. Presented and preserved in an original second state wrapper of the first edition. Dust wrapper w/moderate shelf wear, rub; unclipped 3.00, protected in fine clear sleeve. Larger 6" x 8 3/4" design. Rare near very good first printing in same wrapper. Accompanying this first edition is a signed Ayn Rand letter dated June 5, 1946 in reference to the The Fountainhead motion picture in pre-production, written and hand signed: "Ayn Rand". Typed on original stationery with Hal Wallis Productions at Paramount Studios letterhead, the message conveys to Miss Nickie Tipps, apparently an producer's assistant, that Rand is happy that both the novel and the screenplay also composed by Rand, are both well liked. Letter has been folded in three. Included in this collection is the rare booklet referred to in signed letter entitled: "A Letter from Ayn Rand, Author of The Fountainhead". Moderate shelf wear, upper edge discoloration; saddle-stitch bind, fine. Issued by Bobbs-Merrill in response to the deluge of requests for details about the novel and its author. Rand addresses readers and interested parties on her motivation and intent in writing this intriguing novel of philosophical fiction. Finally, set into volume, as page marker or novel reference, are two First Day of Issue commemorative envelopes for the issuance of the classic 33 cent stamp honoring Ayn Rand's vision. The first features 22k gold plated replica of the Rand stamp on maroon velvet b.g.; and the second with a stylish period painting for The Fountainhead. Concise informative biography of her life and achievement on another matching card. 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, 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. 754 pages. Insured post.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hardcover. Good/Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book.