Being There

New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., 1970 First edition, first printing. Publisher's dark yellow cloth over black boards, asterisk motif stamped to the front board and spine in blind, and spine lettered in black and metallic blue; in the original white dust jacket designed by Hal Siegel, lettered in gold, blue and black. About fine book, with light spotting to head of spine and a small scratch to fore edge of text block; near fine unclipped dust jacket, with a touch of toning to spine and panel edges, light soiling to folds and a hint of soiling to top of front flap, and light staining to lower corners. Overall, a pleasing copy. Being There, the (truncated) third novel by Polish-American author Jerzy Kosinski, is a satire on American media culture. It tells the story of Chance, a "man without qualities" who has dedicated his whole life to "two solitary pursuits: tending a garden and watching television effortlessly and relentlessly." Upon his employer's death, Chance is flung from the seclusion of his garden into the world of statesmen, financiers, and ambassadors. These men, including the president of the United States, perceive Chance's simpleminded comments on societal issues as ingenious and profound. Being There was adapted into an enduring film of the same name in 1979, starring Peter Sellers, Melvyn Douglas, and Shirley MacLaine. . First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine/Dust Jacket Included. (Inventory #: JZK004)