Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (2000, Abridged, Compact Disc)

Let me be clear: While I have read "Atlas Shrugged" probably 5 times, I have never heard it on C.D. Ayn Rand was a philosopher as much as a novelist, and in the book she brillantly brings to life the contrast between differing character traits which Aristotle discussed rather dryly in his "Nicomechean Ethics." Miss Rand truly loved truth, justice and the American way, though she was born and raised in Russia. She also understood it better than many if not most Americans.

I write this review merely to warn the listener of a c.d. that it is inconceivable that a 10-hour disk set can contain even a small percentage of her most insightful and fundamental concepts. Character John Galt's radio speech near the novel's end itself is 60 pages long, explaining the relationship between the far-seeing producer and a mere user of goods, and expresses an objective thinker's dissection of familiar religious concepts. For those who rely on faith, her dissection will be useless, and is definitely heresy. For those who embrace socialism and its sister communism, her words are the death knell.

However, if all you want is entertained, 10-plus hours of "Atlas Shrugged" should do it. The story is truly fresh and original.

As far as the novel itself and the story, Miss Rand persisted in her theme of individuality as illustrated in her earlier works, "The Fountainhead," and "We The Living." While I find her philosophy priceless, as I have aged I have found that there is one serious area which she does not address at all, and was rarely a high priority for her: children. She had no children, and in her books, her characters mostly remain childless. This certainly enlarges their sphere of freedom to act. And they remain childless despite acts of intercourse before birth control was a widely used practice. This in and of itself has troubling ramifications that despite her prescience she did not anticipate.

Many people grumble about her writing style but that is like someone who drives a Ferrari Testarossa and while driving 220 mph, grumbles about the car's color. The woman absolutely does not let the guilty off the hook. Her intransigence in identifying those who harm and take advantage of others' of good will in a vast variety of ways without gratitude, acknowledgment, or repayment makes this a compelling moral tale which clearly illustrates why justice is not merely a moral commandment, but a moral imperative.

I have read many philosophers; she stands head and shoulders above them all. Reading her book I believe entitled "Objectivist Epistemology" deals far better with the basics of how we understand what we know, and in contrast to Emmanual Kant's cant and Plato's "forms," when you finish reading her, you have actually learned something useful, not merely something to impress your friends with as being esoteric. Her books of her essay collections also deal with many specific topics with laser-precision and cleanliness. That woman can untie a can of worms more cleanly and quickly than anyone else I have ever read. The essays are a pleasure to read and introduce many exciting concepts in and of themselves.

"You have seen the Atlantis they were seeking, it is here, it exists -- but one must enter it naked and alone, with no rags from the falsehoods of centuries, with the purest clarity of mind -- not an innocent heart, but that which is much rarer: an intransigent mind -- as one's only possession and key."

I like the book and it is relevant to our current economic situation. If the US is not careful about over taxing, over spending, protectionism, and fairness policies it will fall prey to the ills of socialism. Socialism destroys productivity and desire to work. I hope anyone reading this picks up a copy of Atlas Shrugged. This is great listening in the car.

Received items promptly and as described. Disks are in new condition and package was sealed. Would not hesitate to purchase from this seller in the future.

There are many things I loved about this book and many things that make me wonder about this poor woman's moral structure. Politically, she is beyond conservative. I happen to like that. She makes enemies out of some of the things that I despise, communism, socialism etc. Morally,though, she goes so far that she unashamedly embraces not rugged individualism, but extreme and bold selfishness. While that may be a shallow view, having listened to the book (abridged) and not read it, I found the book to be one without any real heroes. This is because to sacrifice for another is where true life can be found. This is the essence of love. The world that Ms. Rand espoused is a world without real love, and that is not life.

For those whom think that this book is a boring ramble, should not be looking on ebay. Ebay and this book have a lot to give in the realm of the free market. Who is John Gaul? A proud American! This is a very good book!!!!

I enjoy listening to audio books while traveling. This is 10 hours long, better for a long trip…even so, this is brilliant!

I was impressed with the initial price and availability of the audio book of Atlas Shrugged. It came promptly through the US mail. The audio books came in a 10 disk CD set. The CDs were easy to work with and download to my PC. I look forward to ordering another audio book from this source gain.

The book is an uncanny look at what we face today with the march to total Government control of our lives. I read it 30 years ago and found a compelling need to see how it fits today. It does.

This book is outstanding! I enjoyed listening to it very much and couldn't wait to get back to it when interrupted. Everyone who is wondering why our economy is in such a mess today should get this book!

I've read the book several times but having the Audio version gives me the opportunity to listen during long drives.

The subject matter is even more timely today than when it was written. It's a must for anyone who wants to know the end result of progressive policies.

As described. Quickly shipped would buy from this seller again. No problems and no worries with auctio

Great set of CDs...but also READ THE BOOK. Businessmen, salesmen, economists, stock brokers, professionals, etc....a must read. Thoroughly entertaining, states the plain truth of what makes the U.S. economy work, with example after example. Socialists, communists, conservatives, liberals--should be a must-read.

Fast turnaround and the product is what it was supposed to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!