The God of the Machine

"The God of the Machine," wrote Ayn Rand in 1943, "is the greatest book written in the last three hundred years, a document that could literally save the world" (Letters of Ayn Rand, 102). First edition, first printing of Isabel Paterson's The God of the Machine (New York: Putnam, 1943), the work that enrolled Paterson beside Madison and Hayek and Friedman and Rand. "One of the few original theories of history that have been developed in America today, it appears prophetic" (Cox, Introduction to 1993 edition, ix-x). During the 30s, Paterson would lead discussions with a group of young "conservatives" who would stay at the Herald Tribune, for which Paterson wrote a daily column, late into the evenings, helping to paste up the Books section. One of these was a fledgling author by the name of Ayn Rand. Paterson would later use her column to promote Rand s work, and Rand would reciprocate by recommending Paterson s books to her own acquaintances. Indeed Rand was instrumental in promoting Paterson's masterpiece when it was reissued by Caxton in 1964, calling it "an invaluable arsenal of intellectual ammunition for any advocate of capitalism" (The Objectivist Newsletter, Oct. 1964). A near-fine copy in a carefully preserved clipped jacket with some edgewear at corners and folds. Book #vC2321. $2950. We specialize in Rare Ayn Rand and other legends and landmarks.…