Sloan Wilson was an American writer whose works often explored the moral dilemmas and societal pressures of post-war America. His prose is known for its realistic depiction of everyday life and its deep psychological insight into characters grappling with the search for meaning and identity. Wilson's novels frequently focused on themes such as alienation, careerism, and the conflict between personal desires and obligations. His writing offers a penetrating look at American society of his era and the universal human struggles within it.
Set against the backdrop of a summer vacation, this story explores the intertwining lives and secrets of its characters. Originally published in 1958, it delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships, capturing the essence of a transformative summer. The book's popularity led to a film adaptation in 1959, featuring notable actors such as Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
Universally acclaimed when it was first published in 1955, the novel captured the mood of a generation. It was a sensational best-seller that was made into an award-winning film with Gregory Peck, it was translated into twenty-six languages, and its title has become a permanent part of our vocabulary.
“Call me anything but John Galt. That is my name, but it is also the name of my father and grandfather. I am not like them and the world they created is not the one I desire. The III after my name does not sufficiently set me apart.” With these words, famed scientist and nonfiction writer David Sloan Wilson launches a devastating critique of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism and its impact on the world. Just as Rand advanced her ideas through fiction in addition to nonfiction, including her iconic novel Atlas Shrugged, Wilson pursues his quarry into the fictional realm with the story of John Galt III, the grandson of the main protagonist of Rand’s novel, and his quest to defeat the Evil Empire constructed by his father, grandfather, and grandmother—Ayn Rant.
