About the book
INCLUDES THE NEVER-BEFORE-PUBLISHED NOVEL
In print for the first time ever, author and philosopher Ayn Rand’s novel Ideal.
Originally conceived as a novel but then transformed into a play by Ayn Rand, Ideal is the story of beautiful but tormented actress Kay Gonda. Accused of murder, she is on the run, and she turns for help to six fans who have written letters to her, each telling her that she represents their ideal—a respectable family man, a far-left activist, a cynical artist, an evangelist, a playboy, and a lost soul. Each reacts to her plight in his own way, their reactions a glimpse into their secret selves and their true values. In the end their responses to her pleas give Kay the answers she has been seeking.
Ideal was written in 1934 as a novel, but Ayn Rand thought the theme of the piece would be better realized as a play and put the novel aside. Now, both versions of Ideal are available for the first time ever to the millions of Ayn Rand fans around the world, giving them a unique opportunity to explore the creative process of Rand as she wrote first a book, then a play, and the differences between the two.
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY LEONARD PEIKOFF
Editions of Ideal
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780451475558
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780451473172
- EBook
- ISBN 9780698183971
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780698402607
Read an Excerpt
INCLUDES THE NEVER-BEFORE-PUBLISHED NOVEL
In print for the first time ever, author and philosopher Ayn Rand’s novel Ideal.
Originally conceived as a novel but then transformed into a play by Ayn Rand, Ideal is the story of beautiful but tormented actress Kay Gonda. Accused of murder, she is on the run, and she turns for help to six fans who have written letters to her, each telling her that she represents their ideal—a respectable family man, a far-left activist, a cynical artist, an evangelist, a playboy, and a lost soul. Each reacts to her plight in his own way, their reactions a glimpse into their secret selves and their true values. In the end their responses to her pleas give Kay the answers she has been seeking.
Ideal was written in 1934 as a novel, but Ayn Rand thought the theme of the piece would be better realized as a play and put the novel aside. Now, both versions of Ideal are available for the first time ever to the millions of Ayn Rand fans around the world, giving them a unique opportunity to explore the creative process of Rand as she wrote first a book, then a play, and the differences between the two.
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY LEONARD PEIKOFF
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ideal about?
INCLUDES THE NEVER-BEFORE-PUBLISHED NOVEL
In print for the first time ever, author and philosopher Ayn Rand’s novel Ideal.
Originally conceived as a novel but then transformed into a play by Ayn Rand, Ideal is the story of beautiful but tormented actress Kay Gonda. Accused of murder, she is on the run, and she turns for help to six fans who have written letters to her, each telling her that she represents their ideal—a respectable family man, a far-left activist, a cynical artist, an evangelist, a playboy, and a lost soul. Each reacts to her plight in his own way, their reactions a glimpse into their secret selves and their true values. In the end their responses to her pleas give Kay the answers she has been seeking.
Ideal was written in 1934 as a novel, but Ayn Rand thought the theme of the piece would be better realized as a play and put the novel aside. Now, both versions of Ideal are available for the first time ever to the millions of Ayn Rand fans around the world, giving them a unique opportunity to explore the creative process of Rand as she wrote first a book, then a play, and the differences between the two.
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY LEONARD PEIKOFF
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Ideal?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Ideal?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780451475558
Is Ideal part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Penguin Modern Classics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Ideal?
Ayn Rand
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Ideal is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780451475558) and paperback(ISBN 9780451473172) and ebook(ISBN 9780698183971) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780698402607)
Where can I buy Ideal online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Ideal from below