Beschreibung:

A sterling silver cigarette case presented by Rand to her lover Nathaniel Branden in celebration of the publication of his book on Rand.
Hallmarked 220 sterling silver cigarette case, (95 x 70 mm). Presentation engraved lid reproducing in outline the dust jacket title and design for Who is Ayn Rand by Nathaniel and Barbara Branden. The interior of the the lid is engraved “June 18, 1962” likely the publication date of Branden’s book, or the date of the party held in celebration shortly thereafter. Condition: few minor scratches. a unique and very personal rand artifact demonstrating the tangled web of the brandens and the philosopher. The relationship between the philospher and author Ayn Rand and her much younger acolyte Nathaniel Branden was to cause a major scandal among Rand’s followers. Beginning as an eager fan writing fan mail to the author, Branden eventually joined her inner circle and what began as an intense intellectual relationship progressed to a physical one. The affair was kept secret from most of Rand’s close followers, but had to be endured by both Rand’s husband and Branden’s wife, both of whom the lovers told of their ongoing liason. Branden’s honesty didn’t extend to his next affair, in which he was effectively cheating on both Rand and his wife with another woman. When this came to light, it caused an irreparable break with Rand, who went from holding Branden as the living ideal of her philosophies, her “perfect man,” to equally intense vilification of him. Here, the relationship still intact, Rand presents the Brandens a memento of their work about her.