Even businesses like Niman Ranch, one of the most successful purveyors of naturally raised meats, are stymied.

One, a spectacularly successful purveyor of "airport novels", is envied by his friend, an equally unsuccessful writer of philosophical and generally abstruse prose.

"I want to keep my life simple," complained the 52-year-old dealer, who over three decades has quietly become one of the world's most successful purveyors of 19th- and 20th-century masters.

It is all these qualities that have made Mr. Armajani a successful purveyor of the new public art, work that tries to be either participatory or functional.

WHAT makes a successful purveyor of other people's possessions?

After all, Abercrombie remains a successful purveyor of upscale casual apparel, just as it was in the days when it outfitted Roosevelt and Hemingway for safari.

But some of the most successful purveyors of old stereotypes are Italian-Americans themselves.

Who is the most successful purveyor of violent entertainment on the big screen?

And one designer, Zoran, has quietly emerged in stores as a successful purveyor of the look of languorous luxury for women.

She now appears regularly on HSN, and is considered to be HSN's most successful purveyor, with annual sales of more than $150 million.