Anthem is a dystopian fiction novella by Ayn Rand, written in 1937 and first published in 1938 in England. It takes place at some unspecified future date when mankind has entered another dark age characterized by irrationality, collectivism, and socialistic thinking and economics. Technological advancement is now carefully planned (when it is allowed to occur at all) and the concept of individuality has been eliminated (for example, the use of the word "ego" is punishable by death). Initially, Rand planned on publishing Anthem as a magazine story or serial, but her agent encouraged her to publish it as a book. The work has inspired many musical pieces, including full-length albums. Anthem is also credited by Neil Peart for influencing Rush's "2112" with strong parallels to the plot, structure, and theme of Anthem. The Libertarian Futurist Society awarded Anthem its Hall of Fame Award in 1987.
The book was adapted into a stage play in 2013 by Jeff Britting, the Department Manager of the Ayn Rand Archives at the Ayn Rand Institute. First performed in Denver, it opened on Broadway in September 2013. In 2011, Anthem was adapted into a graphic novel by Charles Santino, with artwork by Joe Staton.
