A prime reference to her political philosphy of Objectivism.

I good book to find those quotes and core ideas of Ayn Rand. I can't give this 5 stars because I don't agree with a lot of what she says, but there is some great stuff in here.

The Ayn Rand Lexicon: Objectivism from A to Z (Ayn Rand Library) by Ayn Rand (1988)

Fans and followers can be divided into several groups, including Objectivists (although Rand herself didn't want anyone using that term and she preferred they call themselves "students of Objectivism"), Randians, and Randroids -- the cultists.
I admit to Randian. I like her novels, and have read "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" and "Anthem" dozens of times in the preceding decades, especially "Atlas."
I even liked the movie trilogy based on "Atlas," although the Randroids are still, after nine years, foaming at the mouth.
I keep the "Lexicon" near my desk. It's a very useful reference book, as is my "The Story of Philosophy" by Will Durant, and some dictionaries and others.
But sometimes I regret looking at some of Rand's comments, such as the one about D.W. Griffith. I can't help wondering WHY did she make such a dumb comment? How could she not know how totally wrong she was?
However, she was more often right than not, and I really wish more self-styled intellectuals and/or philosophers would recognize she really was a genius, even if not perfect.
She and her ideas do deserve respect and a person might be able to use the Lexicon to get a start on understanding the philosophy of Objectivism, although it might be better used as a check on one's understanding after one has read her fiction and her non-fiction for a fleshed-out explanation of "A is A" and "objective reality."

Having read Rand previously I was already well-versed in her philosophy. This, however, is a good book for someone new to her or looking for her opinions on certain topics ranging from metaphysics to ballet. Be warned that being a lexicon, you'll have to study it carefully to understand her language where it regards the thoughtful sections of her philosophy. Many would not bother reading this, already turned off perhaps by the scathing terms her critics have for her, but something I've found with Rand is that most of what is said of her in that regard tends to be blatant misrepresentation. Indeed, in television interviews, she herself stated as much.

I liked reading this because it made me feel smart and I agree with lots of the ideas in it. Just being honest. But I really didn't have the vocabulary to keep up.