The Ayn Rand Lexicon: Objectivism from A to Z (Ayn Rand Library) Paperback – January 1, 1988

If you're like me, then you are interested in Ayn Rand's philosophy, but not a full-blown Objectivist. This book presents a wide array of commentary by Ayn Rand for hundreds of different topics. It should be known that you can view all the material in this book (with certain exceptions) at [...]for free (and legally). I got this book so I could read the entries while I wasn't on the computer.The main thing that is wrong with this book is that it contains commentary from a jackass named Leonard Peikhoff, the founder of the Ayn Rand Institute. He has been known to be an idiot and deviate from original, Objectivist philosophy. Other than that, this book is fantastic!

This book is a gem. Ayn Rand was an original powerful thinker and writer, but her ideas on any given topic are scattered throughout her many books. The Ayn Rand Lexicon brings logical order and quick access to all her ideas. I've used it for years and will continue to turn to it for research and enlightenment. This book is more valuable today than ever, as Ayn Rand is so often misrepresented. An enormously useful reference that belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in ideas or curious about Ayn Rand.

all kinds of topics/subjects covered here (alphabetically listed)to cross reference her ideas or to get you started if you dont yet have time to pour into her novels. i suggest starting with 'altruism' (and all the related topics in it's section footer) for those new to her work. you will quickly ask yourself, "how long have i been shoveling other people's shit instead of developing myself"?dont be too horrified when you find out.

Ayn Rand has produced the most valuable guide to a rational Philosophy to date. An extremely series of questions, that are superbly welll answered is " What did Ayn Rand say about....?" All important topics are listed and orderly quoted here. This is a must for all interested in studying Objectivism, which is a must for all rational individuals... No less.

Although the book's own cover suggests that this book is suitable for people who are new to Objectivism as well as long-time devotees, I would recommend this book to the latter more than the former.As the title of my review suggests, the book is an excellent reference guide to Objectivist writings. However, the material provided is made up of quotes from other sources, rather than being an actual summary of Objectivist thought on the particular subject at hand. I mostly use my copy for quickly finding pithy quotes to use in papers or articles, or as a way to find where the original full-length essays are located if I can't immediately recall. Thus, it's my opinon that it is best used as an index to your pre-existing library of Objectivist books.The book also suffers a little from its age, as it is limited almost exclusively to Ayn Rand's own writings. A second edition including material from newer Objectivist thinkers, such as Tibor Machan, would be both a benefit to Objectivists and serve to diffuse those critics who claim that the philosophy is the exclusive toy of Ayn Rand.

A must-have for anyone who feels that Individual Rights are the foundation of this Nation. Rand’s thoughts are as important today as they were decades ago, maybe even more so. Great reference work, find a great quote, and look up the piece it came from!

Everything about this book explains the principles of Ojectivism if you want to understand Ayn Rand philosophy.

THE AYN RAND LEXICON: OBJECTIVISM FROM A TO Z is a medley of topically-labeled quotations from Ayn Rand's various writings. Its format resembles similar "lexica" published in respect of Plato (PLATO DICTIONARY, Philosophical Library, 1963), Aristotle (ARISTOTLE DICTIONARY, Philosophical Library, 1962), and Bertrand Russell (BERTRAND RUSSELL: DICTIONARY OF MIND, MATTER AND MORALS, Citadel Press, 1952). Anyone wishing to sample Rand's thinking about a particular topic will find the book fairly useful. Entries usually include passages extensive enough to provide a reasonable idea of the context within which Rand discusses the matter at hand.Ayn Rand has been a polarizing figure. Cultish admirers, who style themselves "Objectivists," immediately adopt her views on any topic and reflexively parrot them as their own, often reproducing their idol's pronouncements verbatim from memory. Otherwise uninitiated survivors of conversation with these individuals will find in THE AYN RAND LEXICON original sources for much of the Objectivist pablum inflicted on them.The LEXICON's entries leave mixed impressions. Rand's positions on some issues are eminently reasonable, her observations astute, and her arguments incisive. Sampling them as edited snippets in the LEXICON, one can occasionally understand her writings' appeal to a would-be rational readership. Really, though, there's no joy in Mudville. When the editors let Rand take the bit in her teeth, she often expostulates in ways that reveal a much less attractive figure: a dogmatic, intolerant megalomaniac (she several times declared herself the greatest living thinker and the best living writer), the prototype of her Objectivist followers.Possessing not one scintilla of Rand's own limited intellect, Objectivists will be at a disadvantage owing to the LEXICON's most conspicuous omission, an entry for the indispensable term "Randyness". Yes, Randyness: the persistent delusion that one isn't nearly as stupid as one actually is; characterized by a proclivity for incontinent messianic pronouncements accompanied by a total disregard of any factor that might inhibit one's own grandiosity; a syndrome typified by Ayn Rand and her knee-jerk acolytes for which there is no known cure and for which the only treatment of demonstrated effectiveness is derisive marginalization in all theaters of life, public and private.