The Map Thief

The Gripping Story of an Esteemed Rare-Map Dealer Who Made Millions Stealing Priceless Maps

By: Michael Blanding

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Maps have long exerted a special fascination on viewers - both as beautiful works of art and as practical tools to navigate the world. But to those who collect them, the map trade can be a cutthroat business, inhabited by quirky and sometimes disreputable characters in search of a finite number of extremely rare objects.

Once considered a respectable antiquarian map dealer, E. Forbes Smiley spent years doubling as a map thief - until he was finally arrested slipping maps out of books in the Yale University library. The Map Thief delves into the untold history of this fascinating high-stakes criminal and the inside story of the industry that consumed him. Acclaimed reporter Michael Blanding has interviewed all the key players in this stranger-than-fiction story, and shares the fascinating histories of maps that charted the New World, and how they went from being practical instruments to quirky heirlooms to highly coveted objects. Though pieces of the map theft story have been written before, Blanding is the first reporter to explore the story in full - and had the rare privilege of having access to Smiley himself after he'd gone silent in the wake of his crimes. Moreover, although Smiley swears he has admitted to all of the maps he stole, libraries claim he stole hundreds more - and offer intriguing clues to prove it. Now, through a series of exclusive interviews with Smiley and other key individuals, Blanding teases out an astonishing tale of destruction and redemption. The Map Thief interweaves Smiley's escapades with the stories of the explorers and mapmakers he knew better than anyone. Tracking a series of thefts as brazen as the art heists in Provenance and a subculture as obsessive as the oenophiles in The Billionaire's Vinegar, Blanding has pieced together an unforgettable story of high-stakes crime.

©2014 Blanding Enterprises, LLC (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

" The Map Thief isn't just a perceptive, meticulously researched portrait of an exceedingly unlikely felon. It's also a tribute to the beautiful old maps that inspired his cartographic crimes - and shaped our modern world." (Ken Jennings)

Truth is, indeed, stranger than fiction!

i have learned much about the world of maps and maps of the world. I must look more closely at my small collection.

Loved it!!

Can’t wait to listen to it again. So much history and stories of epic adventures to!

Should refund for the narration.

Story was a bit heavy on history of certain maps and lean on the actual "map thief". It was painful to listen to. Could not return the book as bought as a 3 for price of 2 promo. Although the narrator reads well, he has a significant speech impediment which is beyond annoying throughout the book. Most "s" at word ends become "esches". Picture yourself paying to listen to a "schtory" about "bookshs and mapshs" for 7 hours. Audible should refund.

Map lore, singsong narration

What did you like best about The Map Thief? What did you like least?

As noted by other reviews, the map lore overtook the story, and read in a rather singsong voice, it lead to lack of interest rather than learning.

Charting the History of Cartography

I couldn't stop listening to this story as it unfolded. The whole concept of maps as fine art but off the radar enough that thefts on the scale of the "Thomas Crown Affair" could actually be pulled off and be profitable. The inside look at the antiquarian book and map trade was dripping with suspenseful intrigue. But at the heart of the book was a story of humanity, of just incredibly flawed characters and a disaster waiting to happen. Along the way there is just an incredible amount concerning the history of mapping, the early cartography of America and why it matters. It really gives a unique perspective on the history of the United States and all the issues the played into its creation.

From Forbes to Ed

I loved this entire story and the journey of historic maps I was taken on, but I was confused what the second half of the book might consist of. It turned out to be a very interesting ending when you learn of his transition from Forbes to Ed. He did some crappy things, but money makes people do stupid things. The last section really redeemed his character for me, and I learned a lot about cartography that I wouldnt have without him - maybe that's his legacy.

The Map Thief is an Amazing Story

I was surprised by the story of map thief Forbes Smiley and his years of stealing historic maps from famous libraries. Unbelievable how easy it was for him given the lax security and poor tracking of such priceless cultural treasures at such famous libraries as Havard, Yale, London, etc.
Author did an excellent job.
Definitely worth reading.

The value of maps--monetarily and otherwise

Would you listen to The Map Thief again? Why?

I won't want to hear the book again but I would like to skim the hard copy, particularly if there are any photographs of the various characters depicted.

What other book might you compare The Map Thief to and why?

Like the excellent "Hanns and Rudolph" book, this is an exploration of evil. Contrary to Hannah Arendt, I would say it is not so much banal as multifaceted.

What about Sean Runnette’s performance did you like?

The narrator has a very pleasant and precise delivery that serves to greatly enhance the pleasure of the book.

Any additional comments?

The book could be somewhat condensed but its pace and the narrator make the book a pleasure nonetheless.

Got Me All Excited About Maps

Any additional comments?

A juicy inside account of the fall from grace of a world renowned map dealer. Moments of suspense, nuggets of very interesting history of early explorers and map makers.

Well worth a listen. Certainly inspired my own interest in the intricacies and quirks of historic maps.

Well written and well read.

Dry but interesting

The story of map dealer turned map thief Edward Forbes Smiley, intertwined with much general information about the history of maps and the world of map collections. Well told and well researched, though at times a bit dry. If maps interest you at all this is definitely a book for you. If not, your mileage may vary. I found it interesting, but wouldn't reread.