Barbara Branden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara Branden
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Publicity photo of Barbara Branden
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| Born | Barbara Weidman May 14, 1929 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Died | December 11, 2013 (aged 84) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Notable works | The Passion of Ayn Rand Who Is Ayn Rand? |
| Spouse | Nathaniel Branden (divorced) |
Barbara Branden (born Barbara Weidman; May 14, 1929 – December 11, 2013) was a writer, editor, and speaker from Canada and the United States. She is best known for her connection with the famous writer and thinker Ayn Rand.
About Barbara Branden's Life
Barbara Weidman was born in Winnipeg, Canada. She met Nathaniel Branden because they both loved the books of Ayn Rand. In 1950, they became close friends with Ayn Rand. When Barbara and Nathaniel got married in 1953, Ayn Rand and her husband, Frank O'Connor, were part of the wedding. Barbara also earned a master's degree in philosophy. She and Nathaniel helped start a group called the Objectivist movement. This group worked to share Ayn Rand's ideas with more people.
In 1962, Barbara and Nathaniel Branden wrote a book together called Who Is Ayn Rand?. Barbara Branden's part of the book was the first story of Ayn Rand's life. At that time, Ayn Rand thought Barbara Branden was one of the most important people spreading her ideas. Barbara also worked as the Executive Director of the Nathaniel Branden Institute. She gave talks on "Principles of Efficient Thinking."
In 1968, Ayn Rand ended her friendship with Nathaniel Branden. She also ended her friendship with Barbara Branden. This happened because Barbara had not told Rand about something important involving Nathaniel. The reasons for this disagreement are still discussed today.
Writing About Ayn Rand
In 1986, Barbara Branden wrote another book about Ayn Rand called The Passion of Ayn Rand. This book was written after Ayn Rand passed away in 1982. The book caused some disagreement among Ayn Rand's followers. It shared details about Ayn Rand's personal life that had not been widely known. Later, letters from Ayn Rand's belongings showed that Barbara Branden's account was correct.
The book The Passion of Ayn Rand was later made into a movie in 1999. The movie won an Emmy Award. Helen Mirren played Ayn Rand, Eric Stoltz played Nathaniel Branden, and Julie Delpy played Barbara Branden.
Barbara Branden also wrote an important essay called "Ayn Rand: The Reluctant Feminist." This essay was part of a collection of writings. In it, Barbara argued that the way Ayn Rand lived her life showed a strong, independent spirit. This was true even though Ayn Rand did not always agree with the feminist movement.
Barbara Branden passed away in Los Angeles on December 11, 2013. She died from a lung infection.
Barbara Branden's Books
- Who is Ayn Rand? (1962) – Co-written with Nathaniel Branden.
- The Passion of Ayn Rand (1986) – A detailed story of Ayn Rand's life.
- Think as if Your Life Depends on It: Principles of Efficient Thinking and Other Lectures (2017) – A collection of her talks.
See also
In Spanish: Barbara Branden para niños
