Bit by the Fleas [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Pamela Hough (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

This conversational guide, written by an antique dealer from America who moved to France 6 years ado and had his own stand in the Puces, gives you a true insider's look around.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

An antique dealer in America since 1979, Stuart Hough has the unique expertise of selling antiques on both sides of the Atlantic. Hough currently operates a company, William Stuart Antiques/William Stuart Export Services, in the Paris Flea Market area which helps visitors to Paris, antique dealers and designers from America buy, restore and transport their purchases. Stuart's wife, Pamela Hough, a native Floridian, followed her husband to France in 1995, after living in Colorado for 14 years where she worked in the cable television industry; following such a life change, and noticing the number of lost Americans in the Marche aux Puces, the idea for this book was born.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

I wish back in 1981 there had been a guidebook, which taught me the ins and outs of the Puces. We have tried to achieve that purpose with this guide and hope it will enable you to enjoy the experience as much as I have over all these years. Stroll the streets, have your palm read by the gypsy Maris, enjoy Piaf renditions at Chez Louisette, people watch the chic Parisians, find a treasure, and enjoy the magic that makes the Puces the special place that it is. Bonne chine (Good hunting)!

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Vilo Publishing; illustrated edition edition (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2845760469
• ISBN-13: 978-2845760462
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 4.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,890,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend Bit by the Fleas, November 23, 2002

By 

"sierrarolet" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bit by the Fleas (Paperback)

Anyone who cares about French antiques knows that there are many good deals to be unearthed at the marche aux Puces, but the place was always somewhat intimidating to me because it's known to be an "insider's" market. It's hard to know where to go and who to trust. I was delighted to come across this book because it demystifies the process very effectively and is written in a no-nonsense, discerning and user-friendly manner. It is not designed as a comprehensive guide to the Puces but rather as a "short list" of the stands that the authors have found to be most worthwhile (be it in terms of selection, quality, price and/or reliability). It's a bit like having a Zagat's guide to the Puces. I also liked the format, which is compact and practical to carry around Paris, as well as the design and graphics, which are tasteful and up-scale. As a result, I've also found it to be a very appropriate gift for friends who share my interest in French antiques.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE book on THE Paris flea market, October 31, 2002

By 

Susan E. Bruce (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bit by the Fleas (Paperback)

I've been to the Marchee aux Puces many times in Paris and wish I'd had this book with me before! The photos are gorgeous and helped identify different parts of the huge market and types of furniture. I've enjoyed reading through it over and over since my return. It's so interesting and there's so much to learn. Not just what to buy and where, but how to ship it home and how to recognize value or ... non-value. This book is a real treasure for those serious about antiques or just browsing the market for interesting finds.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best info on the market, September 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bit by the Fleas (Paperback)

Stuart Hough saved me thousands of hours of research with his incredibly efficient reviews. I was able to save a ton of time at le marche des Puces by carrying this handy pocketguide with me while touring - and saved some money by knowing who to talk to and how to approach them. It is written with both style and efficiency - if you are into antiques, this is a MUST READ.