Is the "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand a good book to read?

Question

I just want to read a book with an architect and architecture in it...

Actually, I am an architect and I remember my professor mentioned this book when he was discussing about this famous architect's life which is somewhat similar to the character in the book who is said to be an apprentice.

Answer 1

Seer is wrong, Ms Nobody is correct.
The book is primarily philosophical about how we should live our lives, but it is also very much about architecture. Rand actually worked in the office of an architectural firm for a period in researching the novel.
It is not so much defending the style of so called 'Modern' architecture but that of modern architecture that doesn't try to copy styles from the past or believes in architecture for the sake of architecture. From the book I learnt the meaning, and now value the concept of 'form follows function'.
The Gary Cooper film, as bad as it way made, is still a great film to watch merely because of the book it came from.

Answer 2

Fountainhead Book

Answer 3

Definitely read it. Just be careful when you do. Ayn Rand is a very convincing writer. One of my teachers in high school read that book as a young man and spent the next few years down a path of political ambition that he now regrets. He ended up helping found the Libertarian Party in California, and one day realized he wasn't a Libertarian at all. It was like reading The Fountainhead had brainwashed him.

I read it. I liked it. It didn't brainwash me, but it was interesting to see what Rand had to say.

But if you want a good book about architecture, you really won't find a better one than The Fountainhead. Definitely give it a try. Don't let the length get to you; the pages seem to melt away after a while.

Answer 4

It's an excellent read, and it is not really about achitecture in the way you are thinking.

I think it is much more accessible than "Atlas Shrugged", so if you are interested in Ayn Rand, I think it's the best place to start. If you like it, then you can move on to some of her other, heavier works.

Howard Roark is one of my favorite characters in literature. Good luck!

If you want to read about achitects and architecture in a more direct fashion, I suggest you read about Frank Lloyd Wright, I.M. Pei, or Maya Lin. Maya Lin is especially interesting in that she is not actually an architect, but has designed some very interesting things, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Civil Rights Memorial. There is also a very interesting movement in art and architecture called Bauhaus. It emerged in Germany between the two World Wars, and it had a lot of impact--there have been plenty of books written about it.

Answer 5

Much of this is true - except the assumption that Democrats have been doing this more than Republicans. Reagan and Bush I both also did bailouts and stimulus packages. The TARP bill was requested and signed by President Bush. How you guys can try to score political points by calling the pot black when you're the kettle I'll never know. You always assume everybody forgets what happened just a few months ago. FYI - In addition to hating Communists and Fascists, Ayn Rand also hated religion of any kind, which might make her stick in the craw of Conservatives if they know that.

Answer 6

As others have said, it is concerned more about philosophy than architecture - however, there are a lot of times when the book also deals with the philosophy OF architecture. For example, the main character is commissioned to build a church and, instead of building one that stretches toward "heaven" as was the standard in the day, he builds a low, modern structure - man-sized, not God-sized. The building is the center of controversy for that very reason.

Personally I think this is an EXCELLENT book for someone who is interested in architecture to read. The main character is actually inspired in part by Frank Lloyd Wright. Ayn Rand's writing style is difficult for some people, so that's something you'll just have to judge for yourself. Give it a try!

Answer 7

The Fountainhead is a really, really interesting book. It supports a very specific philosophical opinion, and some people don't like how sharply opinionated it is, but I think it's a very important book to read even if you disagree with it because it shows you such a different point of view in comparison to what most people believe today. Most of the characters are architects, but as the author said herself, the book isn't really about architecture, it just uses the topic of architecture as a way to get her point across

If you want to read something really about architecture, pick up a books about Frank Lloyd Wright. Most people know he's a famous architect, but he was also a really weird, interesting guy. For example, he was once called to speak to the US Congress, and they asked him to introduce himself by name and profession, and he introduced himself as "Frank Lloyd Wright, the greatest architect in the world." He's interesting, and his buildings really are beautiful.

Answer 8

The Fountainhead is a good place to start learning Rand's philosophies (that are rejected by todays Republicans AND Democrats probably because she makes good sense). It's not really about architecture, but about an individual as an artist who will not compromise his ideals.

Answer 9

The Fountainhead is a book based on Libertarian philosophy, so if you are looking purely for something about architecture, Rand would not be the best choice. It's a very interesting book to read for philosophy, however. :)

Answer 10

Take it from someone with a degree in architecture -- it is a MUST read -- If you are about to go on spring break, get it and read. Plan on spending several days to a week reading it. It isnt like reading a contemporary novel you can put away in a day. The Fountainhead needs to be savored and read at a slow pace to be fully enjoyed and understood. It is a true classic. Pax - C.