At Random: Reminiscences of Bennett Cerf

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At Random:  The Reminiscences of Bennett Cerf is a treasure trove of information about authors, playwrights and composers during the early to mid-20^th century.  As one of the co-founders of Random House, Cerf was a key figure in shaping the American publishing landscape.  His autobiography offers fascinating stories about people like F. Scott Fitzgerald, George Gershwin, Dr. Seuss, James Michener, Ayn Rand, Eugene O’Neill and Truman Capote—just to name a few.

As you read this book, though, you will want to consider that it was completed after his death by his widow and a favorite editor.  Cerf had started the book, but was unable to complete it.  Using his notes and an oral history he had provided to Columbia University, they completed the manuscript in the spirit of what they believed Cerf would have written.

Bennett Cerf knew his authors well, and didn’t mind sharing his impressions.  But this is not a work that dishes dirt.  Cerf was a genuine friend to most of his clients, and he speaks of them with warmth and occasionally concern.

Cerf himself loved his social contacts, the dinner parties, and the elaborate vacations his success afforded.  He was a bit of a gadabout, sometimes pretentious, and makes no apologies for it.  In fact, his writing reflects a joy of one who is quite comfortable with his approach to life.

He shares a number of stories about the backrooms of the publishing industry, and describes its evolution during the first half of the last century.  He closes by talking about the people in whom he entrusted Random House following his retirement, and then discusses a bit about his personal philosophies.

If you’ve seen Cerf on the classic game show What’s My Line, or read his any of his books, you know he was old school and corny—he loved puns.  But At Random:  The Reminiscences of Bennett Cerf cuts through much of that, providing a fascinating portrait of someone who had a significant impact on the American publishing industry.

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Quotes

“I don’t like getting old, but growing old happens to everybody, and you’ve got to be philosophical about it.  I don’t fear death.  I don’t believe in organized religion; I believe in being good.  If there is a God, He’ll approve of your being a decent fellow.  You don’t have to go through the formalities, which to me have always been artificial.”

“I can’t say this too often – that a little humor can make life worth living.  That has always been my credo.  Somebody once asked me, ‘What would you like your epitaph to be?’  I’ve always said that I’d like it to be:  ‘He left people a little happier than they were when he came into the room.’”

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