Founders of Western Philosophy: Thales to Hume
book · First published 2023
Author guide
Leonard Peikoff Books in Order
Leonard Peikoff is a Canadian-American philosopher, educator, author, and Ayn Rand's legal and intellectual heir. He founded the Ayn Rand Institute in 1985 and wrote major works on Objectivism, philosophy, history, education, communication, literature, and culture.
philosophypolitical thoughthistoryliterary criticismeducationessays
Catalog record updated .
Leonard Peikoff's Newest Book
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand
Peikoff's comprehensive systematic presentation of Ayn Rand's philosophy.
The Ominous Parallels: The End of Freedom in America
His first major book and a self-contained introduction to his philosophy of history and culture.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Essays and speeches (1)
- The Voice of Reason: Essays in Objectivist Thought
essay_collection · 1989
Other (10)
- The Ominous Parallels: The End of Freedom in America
book · 1982
Ayn Rand chose Leonard Peikoff to be her successor as the spokesman for Objectivism. And in this brilliantly reasoned, thought-provoking work we learn why, as he demonstrates how far America has been detoured from its original path and…
- Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand
book · 1991
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION—The definitive statement of Ayn Rand’s philosophy as interpreted by her best student and chosen heir. This brilliantly conceived and organized book is Dr. Leonard Peikoff’s classic text on the abstract…
- Understanding Objectivism: A Guide to Learning Ayn Rand's Philosophy
book · 2012
Based on a series of lectures given in 1983 by Dr. Leonard Peikoff, Understanding Objectivism offers a deeper and more profound study of Ayn Rand's philosophy, and outlines a methodology of how to approach the study of Objectivism and…
- Objective Communication: Writing, Speaking and Arguing
book · 2013
Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism is increasingly influencing the shape of the world from business and politics to achieving personal goals. Here, Leonard Peikoff—Rand’s heir—explains how you can communicate philosophical ideas with…
- Keeping It Real: Bringing Ideas Down to Earth
book · 2019
- Principles of Grammar
book · 2020
- Founders of Western Philosophy: Thales to Hume
book · 2023
Frequently asked questions about Leonard Peikoff
Who is Leonard Peikoff?
Leonard Peikoff is a Canadian-born, U.S.-naturalized philosopher, author, and former philosophy professor best known as a major interpreter of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism. Rand designated him heir to her estate.
Sources: courses.aynrand.org (opens in a new tab)penguinrandomhouse.com (opens in a new tab)
Where was Leonard Peikoff born, and what is his nationality?
He was born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1933, and later became a U.S. citizen.
Sources: courses.aynrand.org (opens in a new tab)peikoff.com (opens in a new tab)
How did Leonard Peikoff meet Ayn Rand?
Peikoff met Ayn Rand in 1951, at age 17, after being invited to her home in California. Their friendship and professional association lasted until her death in 1982, and Rand’s ideas redirected him from pre-medical studies toward philosophy.
Sources: peikoff.com (opens in a new tab)courses.aynrand.org (opens in a new tab)
What did Leonard Peikoff do as a philosopher and teacher?
He earned a doctorate in philosophy from New York University in 1964 and taught philosophy at several colleges and universities from 1957 to 1973. He later lectured widely on Objectivism and hosted a nationally syndicated radio program.
Sources: peikoff.com (opens in a new tab)penguinrandomhouse.com (opens in a new tab)
What is Leonard Peikoff’s legacy in Objectivism?
Peikoff’s enduring legacy is as a principal custodian and expositor of Objectivism after Rand’s death. He helped establish the Ayn Rand Institute in 1985, and his systematic presentation of the philosophy drew on a 1976 lecture course Rand publicly endorsed.
Sources: ari.aynrand.org (opens in a new tab)aynrand.org (opens in a new tab)