Brutal Find
April book sales have treated me well as I’ve managed to hit about 5 or 6 now and have come away with a box full or so from each. Along with plenty of solid general stock for the shop, I managed to find a handful of old Pogo comics (always fun to find and a great seller), some later Enid Blyton firsts, a smattering of scarce vintage mysteries and a Ludwig Bemelmans (author of the Madeline children’s series) first in wonderful condition.
However I’d have to say that my best find while out hunting so far this year was surprisingly not a book. While poking around for books at a local rummage sale downtown, I came across this intriguing sculpture.
It caught my fancy at once, and though I did walk away from it momentarily chiding myself for straying from my bookhunt, I quickly went back and made the purchase. For only $10, I couldn’t pass up this little flowing brass figure. When I got it home, I noticed a small stamp inside, “Fantoni Firenze, Italy”. After a little research, it turns out this fine little piece was crafted in the Brutalist style by renown Italian ceramic and sculpture artist Marcello Fantoni. Fantoni, who is still active despite pushing 100, was very influential in the 50′s and 60′s and still finds his work in major auction houses from time to time.
I must say that I am quit pleased to be fortunate enough to chance upon such an excellent find outside of my specialty and am now deeply enjoying querying guests on their opinion of my fine Fantoni piece while using the snootiest art connosseur like voice I can muster 
Talking of “some later Enid Blyton firsts,” I am glad to inform you that I have published a book on Enid Blyton, titled, The Famous Five: A Personal Anecdotage (www.bbotw.com).
Stephen Isabirye