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Rating: 
Summary: A very handy quick-reference guide to Objectivism
Review: Although the book's own cover suggests that this book is suitable for people who are new to Objectivism as well as long-time devotees, I would recommend this book to the latter more than the former. As the title of my review suggests, the book is an excellent reference guide to Objectivist writings. However, the material provided is made up of quotes from other sources, rather than being an actual summary of Objectivist thought on the particular subject at hand. I mostly use my copy for quickly finding pithy quotes to use in papers or articles, or as a way to find where the original full-length essays are located if I can't immediately recall. Thus, it's my opinon that it is best used as an index to your pre-existing library of Objectivist books. The book also suffers a little from its age, as it is limited almost exclusively to Ayn Rand's own writings. A second edition including material from newer Objectivist thinkers, such as Tibor Machan, would be both a benefit to Objectivists and serve to diffuse those critics who claim that the philosophy is the exclusive toy of Ayn Rand.
Rating: 
Summary: [trite] philosopher but good essayist
Review: Even with the introduction of the Objectivst Cd-Rom, this book retains its original value as a handy resource to the thoughts of Ayn Rand on a myriad of issues. It is not as fast nor as extensive as the cd, but cheaper it is--and cheaper by far. What's more, since the lexicon is in a book format, you'll probably find it much easier to read, as well as to study. In short, the new (and much talked about) cd-rom has not negated the value of this book--only added to it by making your search faster and more thorough. But with this increase in value comes a noticeable increase in price (at least for a college student like me). Is it worth it? You decide.
Rating: 
Summary: It's The Only Reference You May Need Just To Reject Her:
Review: I've given this book five stars, but my reasons for doing so will stir the entire Ayn Rand cult onto the war path (most book reviews aren't this closely monitored by robot slaves who are conditioned to fight for the master). If you don't want to waste a lot of your time trying to figure out what that cult is all about, plodding your way through those novels of hers which are so appreciated by shallow moral drifters, buy this book. Rand was known for her cleverness, but as she only applied it to surviving in a world where she was profiting from within someone else's dissolving ethnic society, her concept of the world is alien. It does not even matter if she is or isn't ahead of the pack on nearly everything she thought, though many believe the aphorisms in this lexicon suggest she was, as dangerous people are often so talented at shaking the suckers down. Those who examine this quick reference book will soon discover that in typical Capitalist fashion she had little respect for ethnic cultures or society's weak (even if the fallen are your family), so don't look here if you seek the solution to this nation's homeless crisis. And when Rand turns to discussing families in a larger sense, as racial groups, she soon shows that in her "religion" visible races are bad for the desired Utopia (which is actually much less visible in her culture). In a capitalist society, as in Marxist societies, a person is merely a worker. It does not matter to a Capitalist if the worker's social support is totally eroded - whether that's family, culture, or race - as long as the worker comes to the job every day and worships mammon. And you can credit ego-centered people such as Rand next time you notice an on-the-job shooting, the increased divorce rate, the fashion of reverse discrimination, and the dominant consumer culture. It's very useful to be able to place Rand's idelology - or theology - within the context of modern society's drift to disaster, as she has so many fans in places like Silicon Valley where any traditional mode of social interaction is devalued. This may be the only reference book a more spiritually developed person would ever need for determing that Rand's not all there for someone else - though she may certainly be there for herself. In other words, although Rand's ethinc cultural background provides her with the skills she needs to survive in the extremely deep water that is self-interest and the social breakdown of other cultures, she has no moral right to entice all the more innocent swimmers to come out and join her. On the other hand, those who do so have been cautioned here.
Rating: 
Summary: An Objectivist Lexicon
Review: THE AYN RAND LEXICON is an alphabetically organized collection of excerpts from the writings of Ayn Rand and other Objectivists. A concept or topic is listed, and excerpts from Objectivist writings follow. For example, the entry "Renaissance" contains three paragraphs from Ayn Rand, one from Leonard Peikoff, and a multiple paragraph entry from an article in "The Objectivist" by Mary Ann Sures. According to the editor, Harry Binswanger, Rand approved of the idea for the LEXICON and was consulted during the early stages of production. (Rand died in 1982 and this work came out in 1986.) Needless to say, one's opinion of this work will in large part depend on one's view of Rand and Objectivism. On the positive side, this is a useful way to look up what Rand believed on a variety of topics. Her writing was crisp and at times insightful, and at other times simplistic and ill informed. Take the above section on "Renaissance." Rand thought the Renaissance represented the rebirth of reason and Aristotelianism, but there is no indication that Rand studied this period of history. These excerpts (and her writings in general) show no understanding that the Renaissance represented the rebirth of Platonism. In fact, I'm not aware of a single Renaissance figure that Rand ever discussed in any detail. As I stated, THE AYN RAND LEXICON contains excerpts from Rand and her associates. Following Rand, the most entries are Peikoff's with a smattering of others. I'd say Rand makes up about 80% to 85% of the book. Most of the additional entries are those that were published under Rand's auspices, so I assume they represent "official Objectivism." On other hand, when Rand broke with the Brandens in 1968, she said that their writings published prior to the break were consistent with Objectivism. Why have none of these writings been included? A good compliment to this work is THE AYN RAND READER, published in 1999. The excerpts are much lengthier and contain no writings from second-handers. If you want to know what a "second-hander" is, check the LEXICON and "check the premises" of the Official Objectivist movement.
Rating:
Summary: An Objectivist Lexicon
Review: THE AYN RAND LEXICON is an alphabetically organized collection of excerpts from the writings of Ayn Rand and other Objectivists. A concept or topic is listed, and excerpts from Objectivist writings follow. For example, the entry "Renaissance" contains three paragraphs from Ayn Rand, one from Leonard Peikoff, and a multiple paragraph entry from an article in "The Objectivist" by Mary Ann Sures. According to the editor, Harry Binswanger, Rand approved of the idea for the LEXICON and was consulted during the early stages of production. (Rand died in 1982 and this work came out in 1986.) Needless to say, one's opinion of this work will in large part depend on one's view of Rand and Objectivism. On the positive side, this is a useful way to look up what Rand believed on a variety of topics. Her writing was crisp and at times insightful, and at other times simplistic and ill informed. Take the above section on "Renaissance." Rand thought the Renaissance represented the rebirth of reason and Aristotelianism, but there is no indication that Rand studied this period of history. These excerpts (and her writings in general) show no understanding that the Renaissance represented the rebirth of Platonism. In fact, I'm not aware of a single Renaissance figure that Rand ever discussed in any detail. As I stated, THE AYN RAND LEXICON contains excerpts from Rand and her associates. Following Rand, the most entries are Peikoff's with a smattering of others. I'd say Rand makes up about 80% to 85% of the book. Most of the additional entries are those that were published under Rand's auspices, so I assume they represent "official Objectivism." On other hand, when Rand broke with the Brandens in 1968, she said that their writings published prior to the break were consistent with Objectivism. Why have none of these writings been included? A good compliment to this work is THE AYN RAND READER, published in 1999. The excerpts are much lengthier and contain no writings from second-handers. If you want to know what a "second-hander" is, check the LEXICON and "check the premises" of the Official Objectivist movement.
Rating: 
Summary: Telling omissions indeed
Review: The Lexicon is the most comprehensive source of Rand writings and ideas. However, it is not all inclusive: she has spoken about parenting, child-rearing, and children. One example is a radio interview that she did discussing romantic literature which led to a discussion on children and parenting. Also, look at "Objectivist Epistimology" where she discusses how a child develops cognitively (which would have connections with raising a child).
Rating:
Summary: As with any philosophy, one must be critical
Review: This book is an excellent source for objectivist epistimology. Although it includes the work of Piekoff, Ayn Rand's intellectual heir, it is a worthy collection of Ayn Rand's groundbreaking philosophy. Personally, I deem it an indespensible work. Although I do not claim to be an objectivist yet, I do agree with Rand on nearly every issue. When I find that something has come along in my life that I'm not sure about, something ambiguous, I consult The Lexicon and usually am able to put the thought to rest. I'd recommend this book to ANYONE who follows objectivist idealogy in any way shape or form, and also to Rand's critics, so that they might have this extensive compendium for the measure of what it truely is: A COMPLETE resource of Rand thought and philosophy. Once again, EXCELLENT book. Buy it today!
Rating:
Summary: An Exceptional Reference
Review: This work is extraordinarily useful for a person studying Ayn Rand's philosophy. This well organized book offers an explanation of Ayn Rand's crucial concepts, as well as commonly used terms. It also presents, in brief, her views of other schools of thought. One can spend a lot of time simply browsing through the work. "The Ayn Rand Lexicon" displays information by essentials, allowing the reader to understand ideological fundamentals. For example, one can learn that the difference between altruism and egoism is not so superficial as charity, but has far deeper roots. Does man have the right to live for himself, in the pursuit of his own happiness, or must he serve others and their needs? The answer is derived from man's nature and can be found in this proficient reference. This is an excellent first exposure to the philosophy behind Ayn Rand's fiction. One will find her philosophical writings impressively honest. These excerpts are clear and unequivocal, something rarely found today.
Rating:
Summary: Delivers what it promises, but...
Review: Well, this book does what it says it will do. It has an indexed list of many Ayn Rand quotes on all sorts of positions, and it gives references to sources you can go to for further reading. I guess I have to give it 3 stars, for delivering what it says it will do. My only question is: Why would you want the thing? I picked up my present copy from a friend, who was more or less ready to throw it out. The main problem is it has no re-read value, and only partial read value the first time through. You can skim it once or two, and look for quotes that sound like they have a novel position on some issue. But that's about it. After that, it just takes up space, and you won't use it again.
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