The Art of Nonfiction

A remarkable series of lectures on the art of creating effective nonfiction by one of the 20th century's most profound writers and thinkers--now available for the first time in print.Culled from sixteen informal lectures Ayn Rand delivered to a select audience in the late 1960s, this remarkable work offers indispensable guidance to the aspiring writer of nonfiction while providing readers with a fascinating discourse on art and creation. Based on the concept that the ability to create quality nonfiction is a skill that can be learned like any other, The Art of Nonfiction takes readers through the writing process, step-by-step, providing insightful observations and invaluable techniques along the way. In these edited transcripts, Rand discusses the psychological aspects of writing, and the different roles played by the conscious and unconscious minds. From choosing a subject to polishing a draft to mastering an individual writing style--for authors of theoretical works or those leaning toward journalistic reporting--this crucial resource introduces the words and ideas of one of our most enduring authors to a new generation.

Edited by Robert Mayhew with an Introduction by Peter SchwartzIntroduction by Peter Schwartz
Editor's Preface
1. Preliminary Remarks
2. Choosing a Subject and Theme
3. Judging One's Audience
4. Applying Philosophy without Preaching It
5. Creating an Outline
6. Writing the Draft: The Primacy of the Subconscious
7. Editing
8. Style
9. Book Reviews and Introductions
10. Writing a Book
11. Selecting a Title
12. Acquiring Ideas for Writing
Appendix: Selected Outlines Used by Ayn Rand in Writing Articles
Index