<Why is Jane Paech A Family in Paris so expensive?> If it's any consolation it's quite an attractive production. She has another, just out - <i>Delicious Days in Paris; Walking Tours to Explore the City's Food and Culture</i> - apparently already in its second print run. Here's her blog with updates and more -

http://knifeandforkintheroad.wordpress.com

I think it was published in Australia and out of print. I checked Powells books and ebay. Ebay had one for 54.00 Amazon was even more. I will check my library. Thank you for the link on the second book.

Another very interesting volume on the French, by one of their own;
The French: Portrait of a People, by Sanche De Gramont.