Age of Selfishness; Ayn Rand, Morality, and the Financial Crisis

An in-depth and accessible graphic novel account of the current economic crisis, how we got there, and how all roads lead back to Ayn Rand

New York Times bestseller Tracing the emergence of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism in the 1940s to her present-day influence, Darryl Cunningham’s latest work of graphic-nonfiction investigation leads readers to the heart of the global financial crisis of 2008. Cunningham uses Rand’s biography to illuminate the policies that led to the economic crash in the U.S. and in Europe, and how her philosophy continues to affect today’s politics and policies, starting with her most noted disciple, economist Alan Greenspan (former chairman of the Federal Reserve). Cunningham also shows how right-wing conservatives, libertarians, and the Tea Party movement have co-opted Rand’s teachings (and inherent contradictions) to promote personal gain and profit at the expense of the middle class. Tackling the complexities of economics by distilling them down to a series of concepts accessible to all age groups, Cunningham ultimately delivers a devastating analysis of our current economic world. Praise for Darryl Cunningham: “It takes other authors whole books to say what Darryl Cunningham can say in a single illustration.” —Jon Ronson, author of The Men Who Stare at Goats “Cunningham’s art has clean lines and a continuity that is often graceful, charming, and endearing. He speaks with quiet authority on his subjects, but is careful to cite a whole range of sources and research papers.” —Independent “It’s good to see the arguments presented so well, clearly, and concisely . . . Cunningham delivers his message with style, great art, even moments of outright comedy."—Forbidden Planet