Ayn Rand was an American writer and philosopher best known for her novel The Fountainhead. She wrote the book in 1943 and it has since become a classic of modern literature. Rand was born in Russia in 1905 and immigrated to the United States in 1926. She is also known for her philosophical works, such as Atlas Shrugged and The Virtue of Selfishness. Rand's writing has had a lasting influence on many aspects of modern culture, including economics, politics, and popular culture.