For the New Intellectual: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand [First Printing]

New York: Random House, 1961. Stated First Printing at copyright page. Black full-cloth boards, stylized blind-stamped cover initials, gilt spine titles with light blue accents, light shelf wear. Pages generally very good, no writing; some discoloration to upper and lower exterior text block corner, slightly to interior edge at center. Dark green matte endpapers; front partially clipped at top. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Dust wrapper moderate shelf wear, rub, toning; unclipped 3.95, protected in new, clear sleeve. Classic portrait at back panel of Ayn Rand by.Dan Greene with her stylish facsimile signature below. Very attractive. Date code 3/61 at front flap. Scarce near good first printing in same original wrapper. The author of Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead presents the essentials of her philosophy. Rand's first non-fiction volume shortly following her magnum opus - Atlas Shrugged. She authoritatively challenges the prevalent philosophical doctrines of our time - and the guilt, panic and despair they create. Rand proposes a new moral philosophy - an ethic of rational self-interest - that stands in sharp opposition to the ethics of self-sacrifice. The fundamentals of this morality are set forth. She categorizes various participants in human history, who have been a force for evil, as being an Attila or a Witch Doctor. An Attila is one who uses physical or brute force to accomplish goals. A Witch Doctor (a philosopher, religious person, or type of intellectual) utilizes the written or spoken word to persuade or intimidate individuals to counter their rational minds, often to the advantage of an Attila. She concludes the title essay by explaining the necessity for a type of new intellectual obtaining prominence. The new intellectual promotes the use of reason to persuade his or her fellow men and women; as opposed to the threat of force in order to persuade by fear. 242 pages. Insured post.. First Edition. Hardcover. Good/Good. Illus. by Halverson, Janet (Jacket Design). 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book.