Antique and Flea Markets of London and Paris

If you are looking for a very general idea of what these markets are like with nice pictures, then this is a good book. However I would recommend noting that the publication date was 1999, so the information in it is likely to be accurate on a macro scale only. I'm sure that there are similar vendors to those described in each market, but unlikely to be the same ones listed in here. The book does note that it is only accurate in describing fall 2008's vendors and may not be accurate at any point beyond that.

This book met a lot of my expectations by being very portable, very well-illustrated, and full of good descriptions of the merchandise one is likely to find in London and Paris flea markets. "Antiquing" is a very visual experience for me, and having plenty of photographs to whet my appetite for the various shops was a real plus. The book was useful too in helping me plot which days to attend which markets. Even if the merchandise changes and vendors sometimes move, there is enough general information that stays constant for this to be a useful guide for several years. The two-for-one format--London and Paris in one book--is also fun. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the maps could have been better. Otherwise, a great resource!

Antique and Flea Markets of London and Paris is a book serious shoppers will love. While spending several summer months in London, I have visited a number of the markets described. The authors are right on target, and the photos are enjoyable. I learned about many features I've missed, and read about several new places to try on the next trip. The book realizes that shoppers are people, not machines, and tells a little about the market's surrounding area, especially places to stop for a snack and a rest. I'm not as familiar with Paris, but if the Paris section is even close to being as accurate and useful as the London section, it will save shopping time and hassle across the channel, as it will in London.This is not "the" book for your trip if you need a complete guide book. If you like antiques and markets, however, you will love this book.