Monday, June 28, 2010

THE DEATH OF AN ICON

Stuart Brent died on June 24th, 2010.
He was 98 years old....
a book lover...
a book seller...
He loved Chicago and its authors and readers.
He took time to help me, in his store.
He was a book readers friend.
He was a book writers friend.
He knew all the greats and not-so-greats...
Nelson Algren
Studs Terkel
Ben Hecht
Saul Bellow
George Plimpton
Philip Roth
and me.
He treated us all with indomitable enthusiasm,
and joy, because we shared his passion...
books.
Mr. Brent had to close his doors
on Chicago's Michigan Avenue, in the 90's.
No one wanted to read too much anymore.
It was a sad day for me.
It was a sad day for Chicago.
It was a sad day for all book lovers.
I will miss you Mr. Brent...
as will the world miss you.

2 comments:

  1. If I could be so lucky to live & enjoy books as long as Mr. Brent! He must have been a cherished friend. God rest is soul.

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  2. He was a part of Chicago...I was saddened to hear of his passing...a great mentor to me.

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