How do you write a biography? A good question if, like me, you’re writing one for the first time. I’ve known many extraordinary people, but I have to say the art dealer and collector Allan Stone (1934-2006) was a phenomenon. His taste and acquisitions were close to flawless and robustly catholic. He bought, sold, and kept for himself the best in contemporary art, African tribal art, folk art, and let’s not forget his forty-four Bugatti cars and Gaudi furniture. Among many, many artists Allan represented was Joseph Cornell. When Allan first met Cornell at his home in Utopia Parkway, Queens, Cornell sat in one room but insisted that Allan sit in an adjacent room. He said Allan’s karma was too strong for the two to be any closer. Cornell was on to something.