I found out about the book, Killer Stuff and Tons of Money, here on the Second Hand Social blog where I am a regular contributor. I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of the book from its author, Maureen Stanton. She also will be giving a copy away at my blog, Upscale Downhome, so be sure to leave a comment and get entered for a chance to win. I received my autographed copy in the mail early in December and I felt like it was my own holiday surprise just waiting to be opened.
From the onset of the book it’s clear this work was a labor of love for Maureen. She spent over 6 years traveling to flea markets and antique shows to do her hands-on research by shadowing Curt Avery an East Coast dealer. Curt Avery is a pseudonym because he does not want the book to be about him but more about the the antiques themselves. He is an extremely knowledgeable man who has spent years acquiring that knowledge; he can scan flea market tables and find jewels worth thousands of dollars hidden amid the mundane.
The book was written in a creative nonfiction style and it kept me coming back for more with each chapter. I really wanted to know the next score that Avery would find. One of my favorites was a yarn winder that he purchased from another dealer for $90. After he brought the yarn winder home and gave the construction a closer examination he realized it was made by the Shakers. He ended up selling it an auction but you’ll have to read the book to find out his return on investment. It was absolutely amazing to me that a piece with that kind of history could sit at an antique show all the day surrounded by hundreds of dealers and enthusiasts and not be noticed. In the antique business knowledge is a super power.
You get a backstage pass to the famous Brimfield flea market, Antiques Roadshow and to the daily life and struggles of someone who makes their living by selling antiques. I was not surprised to learn that most antique dealers don’t do it for the money but for their love of the objects, the history contained in each one, and their passion for sharing this information with others.
Killer Stuff and Tons of Money is a must read for all antique lovers and anyone who would even consider selling antiques themselves. I devoured it in a matter of days and it would make perfect reading for this winter season. It can give you your flea market fix without leaving the comforts of your own home.
Leave a comment on my blog, Upscale Downhome, to be entered to win a free copy of Maureen’s book, Killer Stuff and Tons of Money. Also, show her some Facebook love and like her page for another entry. The contest will close on January 31, 2013. The winner will be notified by email.
There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.
Ernest Hemingway