Ayn Rand (1905-1982) is best known for her books Anthem, Atlas Shrugged, and The Fountainhead. The Russian born American author and philosopher was very critical of communism and an advocate of capitalism. Rand's unique philosophy, Objectivism, has gained a worldwide audience. The fundamentals of her philosophy are put forth in three nonfiction books, Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, The Virtues of Selfishness, and Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal. Though her books and beliefs have faced much criticism from academia, she is still championed by many contemporary conservatives and libertarians.