Bennett Alfred Cerf, commonly known as Bennett Cerf, was an American publisher, author, and co-founder of the publishing firm Random House. Born on May 25, 1898, in New York City, Cerf had a significant impact on the literary world throughout the 20th century.
Known for his witty and talented personality, Cerf played a crucial role in the promotion and publishing of various notable authors and books. Alongside Donald Klopfer, he established Random House in 1927, which rapidly became one of the leading publishing companies in the United States. Under Cerf's leadership as the company's president, Random House published numerous influential and critically acclaimed works, ranging from fiction to non-fiction and children's literature.
Outside his publishing career, Bennett Cerf was a prolific author himself. He penned numerous books, including the popular "Bennett Cerf's Book of Riddles," a collection of jokes and riddles that entertained and challenged readers of all ages.
Cerf's contributions to literature extended beyond his own writing and publishing endeavors. He was also a well-known television personality, regularly gracing the small screen as a panelist on the popular quiz show "What's My Line?," showcasing his wit and humor to a broad audience.
With his exceptional publishing expertise, humorous personality, and immense contributions to the world of literature, Bennett Alfred Cerf left a lasting legacy in the realm of publishing, inspiring generations of authors, publishers, and readers alike.
