The Romantic Manifesto
by Ayn Rand

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Book Summary Information

• ISBN13: 9780451149169
• Condition: New
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Book Reviews of The Romantic Manifesto

Book Review: A brilliantly reasoned book by a great thinker
Summary: 5 Stars

The clarity, rationality, precision and straight-forwardness with which Ayn Rand has presented her philosophy of art is a major literary achievement in itelf.

She has delved into the very depths of the process of artistic creation and brought to light certain fundamental aspects of art which the world had never known before.
She has introduced concepts such as "sense of life" and revolutionzed the entire way of handling aesthetic issues.

Her analysis of the meaning of art,its function in man's life,the basic principles of literature,the criteria for jugding art works - all are presented in a logical,structured manner - starting with the definition and explanation of terms such as "concepts" , metaphysics etc.,proceeding step-by-step to a thoroughly rational analysis of what constitutes great art.

Most illuminating is her analysis of the fundamental premise of the Romantic novel (the premise of volition).

She has also presented the goal of her own fiction writing which would clear the doubts of her admirers as well as her critics.

The point here is that it is all so convincing!! Except for a few statements here and there - such as a derogatory dismissal of Tolstoy's works,or a sarcastic remark regarding a "Hindu dance" (I am an Indian-and belong to a Hindu background-though I'm an atheist-and there is no such thing as a "Hindu" dance),her arguements are unequivocal and irrefutable.

The main drawback of "The Romantic Manifesto" is that it is not comprehensive enough and at least left me wanting more.
I think that Ayn Rand should have not only given more examples, but more importantly, given a more detailed analysis of the already mentioned examples. For instance,she has named "The Scarlet Letter" one of the best Romantic novels, but has not mentioned another word with respect to its theme,plot-theme,characterization etc.

Nevertheless,this book is so forceful that it can change anybody's understanding of art, or at least add a new dimension to it.Otherwise too,it is a very interseting read of the non-fiction genre.

At the end,I would,without hesitation call it one of the most original,profound and enlightening books of ideas of our times.

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