Being There (Kosinski, Jerzy)

A modern classic now available from Grove Press, Being There is one of the most popular and significant works from a writer of international stature. It is the story of Chauncey Gardiner - Chance, an enigmatic but distinguished man who emerges from nowhere to become an heir to the throne of a Wall Street tycoon, a presidential policy adviser, and a media icon. Truly "a man without qualities," Chance's straightforward responses to popular concerns are heralded as visionary. But though everyone is quoting him, no one is sure what he's really saying. And filling in the blanks in his background proves impossible. Being There is a brilliantly satiric look at the unreality of American media culture that is, if anything, more trenchant now than ever. A quirky, brilliant novel starring Chauncey Gardiner, an enigmatic man who rises from nowhere to become a media phenomenon—“a fabulous creature of our age” ( Newsweek ). One of the most beloved novels by the New York Times –bestselling and National Book Award–winning author of The Painted Bird and Pinball , Being There is the story of a mysterious man who finds himself at the center of Wall Street and Washington power—including his role as a policy adviser to the president—despite the fact that no one is quite sure where he comes from, or what he is actually talking about. Nevertheless, Chauncey “Chance” Gardiner is celebrated by the media, and hailed as a visionary, in this satirical masterpiece that became an award-winning film starring Peter Sellers. As wise and timely as ever, Being There is “a tantalizing knuckleball of a book delivered with perfectly timed satirical hops and metaphysical flutters” ( Time ). A quirky, brilliant novel starring Chauncey Gardiner, an enigmatic man who rises from nowhere to become a media phenomenon -- "a fabulous creature of our age" ( Newsweek ). One of the most beloved novels by the New York Times –bestselling and National Book Award–winning author of The Painted Bird and Pinball , Being There is the story of a mysterious man who finds himself at the center of Wall Street and Washington power -- including his role as a policy adviser to the president -- despite the fact that no one is quite sure where he comes from, or what he is actually talking about. Nevertheless, Chauncey "Chance" Gardiner is celebrated by the media, and hailed as a visionary, in this satirical masterpiece that became an award-winning film starring Peter Sellers. As wise and timely as ever, Being There is "a tantalizing knuckleball of a book delivered with perfectly timed satirical hops and metaphysical flutters" ( Time )