Atlas Shrugged.

First edition of one of the most influential novels of the twentieth century. Large octavo, original green cloth, spine stamped in black and gilt. Presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author on the half-title page, "To Lieutenant Colonel Herman V. Frey - my 'commanding officer' on the occasion of the most thrilling engagement of my speaking career - Thank You - Ayn Rand 5/7/74." Ayn Rand’s speech to the graduating class of the United States Military Academy at West Point on March 6, 1974, titled Philosophy: Who Needs It, was a landmark moment both for her and for the institution, as she was the first woman ever invited to speak at West Point. Prior to the address, she was given a personal tour of the Academy by Lieutenant Colonel Herman V. Frey, who introduced her to the campus and its cadets—an experience that helped shape her understanding of her audience. In her speech, Rand vigorously defended the essential role of philosophy in human life, arguing that everyone operates according to philosophical premises, whether they recognize them or not. She warned the cadets against the uncritical acceptance of prevailing ideas and singled out what she termed the “Kantian-Hegelian-collectivist establishment” as the dominant force in American cultural institutions—an influence she viewed as hostile to reason, individualism, and liberty. This rhetorical stance, foundational to her Objectivist philosophy, anticipated many of the ideological clashes that would later define the American “culture wars.” Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by George Salter. Housed in a custom clamshell box by the Harcourt Bindery. An exceptional inscription, one of the finest and warmest we have seen.