... if you like to read AS to the swans in the park rest your eyes (and voice) and head over to www.audible.de - they have the full unabridged audio-books of AS, TF, AN, plus various non-fiction ... with a voice-recorder you can even let the swans and pigeons 'audio-annotate'

(funny: audible.com took it out - the German audible.de still offers the English version - go figure???) 

you could try Phil Oliver at www.olivercomputing.net - I ordered mine with him some years ago and also exchanged some mails for improvements and minor typos in the texts ... it's been a while, but he was very agreable to suggestions - maybe even a Mac version ... might revive some interest in this collection which I also find an invaluable tool for look-up ... don't think it ever was intended for reading out loud in the park - but when you're constantly on the move as I am it's less cumbersome than lugging around thirteen pounds of hardcopy ... and you'll never find that one quote that's on the tip of your tongue going through your library shelf

Thanks for the comments guys! It sounds really useful, and I will probably get it.

The only problem is that I thought I would be able to use it with my Mac, with a little fiddling. However, it doesn't sound easy. Damn. I might need something like VirtualPC, which will let me run Windows programs.

Thanks again!
Julian

Although I generally prefer to sit down a read a book, the cd-rom is an invaluable research tool... one of those items that you cannot imagine living without once you have it. The interface is servicable, even if not fantastic or pretty. The articles are simply and readably formatted, and easy to print. After years of using it, I really only have two complaints:
* It doesn't have PWNI as its own text, although those articles are available via their original sources.
* To protect copyright, it doesn't allow you to copy more than four lines of text at a time.

Also, the cd-rom contains only the writings of Ayn Rand (and some work from Leonard Peikoff), but none of the writings of other contributors to The Objectivist and The Objectivist Newsletter. (I suspect that's because the change in medium would require permission and royalties to those authors.)

-- Diana Hsieh
diana@dianahsieh.com
NoodleFood

Yeah Marnee, I just looked at it more and it looks great. You get The Objectivist and the LA Times columns and stuff that I don't have.

But Julian, for intense reading, paper.

I use alot of etexts but prefer pages whenever I can get them. You can't easily underline a computer screen or write marginal notes on it. When I read with my pen a book takes a scathing thrashing!

Julian, go snoop around some second-hand bookshops. I bought my copy of Romantic Manifesto at Parnell rd/Arny rd intersection for $2! Honest, Ayn Rand books are hiding in most every store.

I own the CD and use it often. I think at $60 its a really good value.

Also, I hear they may be discontinuing it. I have also heard that it is very unlikely that a Mac version will be forthcomming.

I would love to have it too, but they don't have a Mac compatable version. I bet it wouldn't be that hard to make a Mac version as it looks like a simple program.

I don't have it Julian but it'd be a nice luxury to have. I urge you to get the books so you can make margin notes and underscore stuff. And maybe take it to the park and read by the swans.

I can't imagine reading Atlas or Les Miserables on a laptop. It'd weaken the experience.