Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, First Edition in Original Dust Jacket, 1957

Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged. New York: Random House, 1957. First edition, first impression. Octavo printing. In original publisher's green cloth hardcover boards and first edition, unclipped dust jacket. Presented with an archival 1/4 leather and cloth clamshell case.  This is the first edition, first impression, of one of literature’s most popular and influential novels of the 20th century. A high spot in 20th century literature, Atlas Shrugged was Ayn Rand's fourth and final novel, based on her principles of Objectivist philosophy.  Taking twelve years to write, the novel is a dramatization of Rand’s unique vision of existence and man’s unique potential. The novel explores themes of reason and freedom, the nobility of business, and the importance of thought over desires. After completing this novel, Rand turned to nonfiction and published works on her philosophy for the rest of her career. “From 1943 until its publication in 1957, [Rand] worked on the book that many say is her masterpi