Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read. This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter. - Reading time of the complete text: about 2 hours - Reading time of the summarized text: 8 minutes Anthem is a dystopian fiction novella by Ayn Rand, first published in 1938 in the United Kingdom. The story takes place in an unspecified future date when mankind has entered another Dark Age, and individuality has been eliminated. A young man known as Equality 7-2521 rebels by doing secret scientific research and flees into the wilderness with the girl he loves. Together they plan to establish a new society based on rediscovered individualism. Rand originally conceived of the story as a play, then decided to write for magazine publication. The novella has been adapted into various media, including a stage play, a graphic novel, and a rock musical. The Ayn Rand Institute provides free copies of the novel for use in schools, and holds an annual Anthem essay contest for students.