In NOTHING RANDOM, noted writer and book reviewer Gayle Feldman paints a dynamic portrait of Bennett Cerf. A widely known and respected book publisher, Cerf’s vibrant personality and unusual perspicacity are amply demonstrated in this assiduous, richly detailed biography that is over 20 years in the making.

Born in 1898 and raised in Manhattan, Cerf was fascinated by books early in life. He graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1919 and a Bachelor of Literature from its School of Journalism the following year.

"Cerf’s vibrant personality and unusual perspicacity are amply demonstrated in this assiduous, richly detailed biography that is over 20 years in the making.... It is clear that Feldman...has devoted much time and deep dedication to this remarkable portrait."

Not long after completing his studies, Cerf was appointed vice president of the book publisher Boni & Liveright. In collaboration with his friend and business partner, Donald S. Klopfer, he purchased the company’s Modern Library. The resulting corporation would become Random House, its name a strong clue to his personal whims and sense of humor, which never waned.

Cerf was constantly propelled by an instinct for literary quality and a spontaneous yet sage personality that added to his success as a well-known character. As Feldman says, “He loved ‘being known’, the recognition a necessary nourishment that seemed to give him a high-wattage glow.”

Cerf continually demonstrated the power behind his profession through his ability to see the value in books and authors that otherwise might have been overlooked. He encouraged such fame-destined writers as Theodor Seuss Geisel, whose pen name was Dr. Seuss; Ayn Rand, despite her controversial political views; and literary giants like William Faulkner, James A. Michener and Truman Capote.

After Random House had published many humorous collections, Cerf joined the panel of the iconic series “What’s My Line?” in 1951. For the next 16 years, he brought to the attention of a wide audience his seemingly irrepressible, vast storehouse of lively opinions melded with soon-popular jokes and jibes.

Cerf’s personal and professional lives form a well-charted background to his time spent in the limelight, which concluded with his passing in 1971. It is clear that Feldman --- who has written and edited for Publishers Weekly and contributed to the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer and The Times of London --- has devoted much time and deep dedication to this remarkable portrait. Pointing out that it is rare for the average reader to know the names of the personalities behind publications, she reveals through her impressive research the ambitious, brilliant, multitalented and generally amiable founder of Random House.

Feldman asserts that throughout his career Cerf had “allowed that light, bright scrim of celebrity to define so much of his own life.” He might have faded from the annals of time had she not taken on this admirable task. Since she has done so, his name, unique abilities and worthy accomplishments have been granted new, well-deserved attention.