What American author wrote the bestselling books, "Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged"?

I have read both the Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. I believe they should be required reading for every college freshmen and every congressional freshmen. She had seen firsthand what socialism would do a country. I started the We the living which is based on her life as a young women.

She also wrote a novel called Anthem. My dad gave me these when I was a teenager. And while I don't agree with all of her philosophy now, as I'm quite the liberal these days, her ideas were very instrumental in the development of my philosophical maturity.

Some of my favorites!

Mark A. Plough, I agree. I also believe that Anthem should be required 8th grade reading. My students really enjoy it.

Katherine Lake, Rand's books should be read as a warning - not a guide.

I recognized the titles, but couldn't remember the author.

I was a big fan in my youth, but witnessed this philosophy at work from Reagan on. I became tremendously disenchanted, and now am a devotee of Bernie Sanders. Rand's philosophy has almost destroyed the United States.

Richard D. Boyle, She also wrote Anthem. Sort of a cheat sheet of her philosophy for people in a hurry.

Thank you Mr. Boyle.

Born in Russia.

Unfortunately for the US, Rand has had a significant effect on influential members of the Republican Party for quite some time. She is always mentioned in connection with her two Big books, Atlas and Fountainhead. However, for a summary of her philosophy in much shorter form, you might try on her collection of political essays titled “The Virtue of Selfishness” (1964). The essays are a shorthand version of her philosophy of Objectivism which is the guiding light of all her writings.

She is one of the great political philosophers of our time.

She was Russian, born in St. Petersburg

Russian-American

I read the books. Not a fan.

LOVE all her books!