mr apc, there are lots of good seats out there, Brooks aren't necessarily the answer. One issue to keep in mind is that for a leather seats best long and even short term life, you dont want to leave it out in the rain uncovered and not to ride it if it does get soaked, so if this is a factor, look to non leather seats.

being new to cycling, it will probably be tough for you to know what seat works for you, but there are lots of good ones out there even if for you it may be a bit of a crapshoot to know which ones to try.
Seeing them and touching them in a store really doesnt give you a proper idea.