Best known as a novelist, Ayn Rand was the founder of the philosophic school of Objectivism and an influential advocate of free market capitalism. In this book, Gladstein (English and Theater Arts, University of Texas, El Paso) examines Rand"s life and work, detailing her belief in the moral supremacy of individualism over collectivism and highlighting her contributions to libertarian thought. The book also looks at how Rand"s work was received during her lifetime and at its continuing relevance in the contemporary world. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)