Page:Ayn Rand Anthem.pdf/12

8 doctrine applied to the actual existence of men. He thought this would help people to understand its real meaning and, by contrast, the meaning of the principles of individualism.

Ayn Rand said, "I have written just such a book. It's a story called Anthem."

"Anthem? When did you write it and where can it be obtained?"

"I wrote it in 1937. It was published in England."

"And not published in this country at all?"

"No. Not at all."

"Why?"

"Those to whom it was submitted refused to publish it. You may make your own guess as to the reason why."

I borrowed her only copy of Anthem and read it on the eastbound Stratoliner. My secretary, to whom I gave the book to be returned, read it during her lunch hour and said: "This is a great book. Isn't it too bad that others can't read it?" Precisely what I had been thinking.