# Atlas Shrugged

> 1957 novel by Ayn Rand

**Wikidata**: [Q374098](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q374098)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_Shrugged)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-shrugged

## Summary
*Atlas Shrugged* is a 1957 novel by Ayn Rand, widely recognized as a defining work of philosophical fiction that explores themes of individualism, capitalism, and reason. It is one of the longest novels ever published in English and remains a cornerstone of Rand’s Objectivist philosophy.

## Key Facts
- Published on October 10, 1957
- Written by Ayn Rand, a Russian-born American writer and public philosopher (1905–1982)
- Classified as both philosophical fiction and science fiction, though it is not strictly genre-bound
- Published in the United States by Random House, a major American general-interest trade book publisher founded in 1927
- Winner of the Prometheus Award, an honor given annually by the Libertarian Futurist Society since 1979
- Considered a literary work under the broader category of written fiction
- Notable for its length and philosophical depth, often cited as one of the most influential novels of the 20th century
- Has 45 sitelinks across language versions on Wikidata
- Associated with Ayn Rand's Objectivist movement and philosophical framework
- Notable individuals connected to its creation and promotion include Antoine Bello, a French-American writer

## FAQs
**What is *Atlas Shrugged*?**  
*Atlas Shrugged* is a 1957 novel by Ayn Rand that blends philosophical fiction with elements of science fiction. It is known for promoting the philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes reason, individualism, and capitalism.

**Who wrote *Atlas Shrugged*?**  
The novel was written by Ayn Rand, a Russian-born American writer and public philosopher who lived from 1905 to 1982. Rand is also known for *The Fountainhead* and for founding the philosophical movement known as Objectivism.

**When was *Atlas Shrugged* published?**  
It was published on October 10, 1957.

**What genre is *Atlas Shrugged*?**  
It is primarily classified as philosophical fiction, though it includes elements of science fiction and mystery fiction. It is not confined to a single genre and is often considered a hybrid work.

**Who published *Atlas Shrugged*?**  
It was published by Random House, a major American general-interest trade book publisher headquartered in New York, with an inception date of 1927.

**Has *Atlas Shrugged* won any awards?**  
Yes, it received the Prometheus Award, an honor given annually by the Libertarian Futurist Society since 1979.

**What is the significance of the Prometheus Award?**  
The Prometheus Award recognizes works of libertarian science fiction. *Atlas Shrugged* won due to its philosophical alignment with themes of individual freedom and free-market capitalism.

**What is the connection between *Atlas Shrugged* and Antoine Bello?**  
Antoine Bello, a French-American writer, is associated with the promotion and discussion of the novel, particularly in academic and literary circles.

**Is *Atlas Shrugged* considered a literary work?**  
Yes, it is categorized as a literary work, defined as a written piece intended for enjoyment or edification.

**What country was *Atlas Shrugged* published in?**  
It was published in the United States, a country primarily located in North America, which declared independence in 1776 and had its independence recognized internationally by 1784.

## Why It Matters
*Atlas Shrugged* is significant for its role in shaping modern libertarian and Objectivist thought. It introduced a philosophical framework that influenced political theory, economics, and personal ethics. The novel’s impact extends beyond literature into real-world policy debates, with its themes cited by politicians, economists, and activists. Its length and scope make it a unique entry in 20th-century fiction, and its enduring popularity reflects its cultural resonance. The book also serves as a foundational text for the Objectivist movement, which Ayn Rand herself helped establish through her writings and lectures.

## Notable For
- Being one of the longest novels in the English language
- Serving as a core text of Ayn Rand’s Objectivist philosophy
- Blending philosophical discourse with narrative storytelling
- Winning the Prometheus Award for its alignment with libertarian themes
- Influencing political and economic discourse in the United States and beyond
- Being cited as one of the most controversial yet impactful novels of the 20th century
- Featuring a complex, multi-layered plot that incorporates elements of mystery and speculative fiction

## Body

### History
*Atlas Shrugged* was written by Ayn Rand and published on October 10, 1957. It was the culmination of her philosophical and literary career, following *The Fountainhead*. The novel was conceived as a vehicle to express Rand’s Objectivist philosophy, which emphasizes reason, individualism, and laissez-faire capitalism. Rand spent over a decade writing the novel, which became both her longest and most ambitious work.

### Publisher
The novel was published in the United States by Random House, a major American general-interest trade book publisher. Random House was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in New York. It has published a wide range of influential titles and maintains a global presence with over 39 language editions.

### Genre and Classification
*Atlas Shrugged* is classified as a literary work and falls under the broader category of philosophical fiction. It also incorporates elements of science fiction and mystery fiction, blending speculative scenarios with deep philosophical inquiry. This genre-blending has contributed to its wide readership and academic discussion.

### Awards and Recognition
The novel received the Prometheus Award, an accolade given annually by the Libertarian Futurist Society since 1979. This award recognizes science fiction works that promote libertarian values, and *Atlas Shrugged* was honored for its philosophical alignment with individual freedom and free-market principles.

### Key People
Ayn Rand, the author, was a Russian-born American writer and public philosopher. Her body of work includes *We the Living*, *The Fountainhead*, and *Atlas Shrugged*, along with nonfiction works on Objectivism. Rand held citizenship in multiple countries, including Russia, France, the United States, and others. Antoine Bello, a French-American writer, is also associated with the novel’s intellectual legacy, particularly in academic and literary circles.

### Cultural and Philosophical Impact
*Atlas Shrugged* is a foundational text of Objectivism, a philosophy developed by Ayn Rand. The novel’s themes of individualism, reason, and capitalism have influenced political discourse, particularly in the United States. It has been cited by politicians, economists, and activists as a source of ideological inspiration. The novel’s enduring relevance is due in part to its detailed exploration of economic collapse and moral philosophy.

### Length and Literary Standing
The novel is one of the longest ever published in the English language, contributing to its reputation as a demanding but rewarding read. Its size and scope have made it a cultural touchstone, often referenced in discussions about literature, philosophy, and political theory.

### Related Entities
- **Random House**: The publisher of *Atlas Shrugged*, founded in 1927 in the United States.
- **Prometheus Award**: A recognition of the novel’s alignment with libertarian science fiction values.
- **Ayn Rand**: The author and philosopher behind the novel and the Objectivist movement.
- **Antoine Bello**: A French-American writer associated with the novel’s legacy.
- **Philosophical Fiction**: The primary genre of the novel, which explores Objectivist themes.
- **Science Fiction**: A secondary genre that informs the speculative elements of the plot.
- **Mystery Fiction**: A narrative device used to structure parts of the novel’s complex plot.
- **United States**: The country where the novel was published and where it has had significant cultural impact.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](http://www.nationalbook.org/nba1958.html)
4. Goodreads