[ISHMap-List] List of maps found missing as a result of the Smiley affair

[Joel Kovarsky]

Having read some of Blanding's recent comments, based on the book 
itself, a point should be made: he would not focus criticisms on the 
dealers (including auction houses) alone. He is critical of all groups 
involved, and would also expect due diligence from collectors and 
librarians.

                     Joel Kovarsky


On 6/19/2014 9:42 AM, Tony Campbell wrote:
> Further on Michael Blanding's/The Map Thief: the gripping story of an 
> esteemed rare-map dealer who made millions stealing priceless 
> maps/(New York: Gotham Books, 2014).
>
>
> Apart from the author's psychological insights intoForbes 
> Smiley'scharacter and motivation, the book also contains valuable 
> appendixes. The first (pp.223-232) lists the 'Maps Smiley admitted 
> stealing'. Of considerably greater value, is the second (pp.233-48, 
> itemising the 'Additional maps libraries reported missing'. As 
> explained in the note (p.291) this was based on the list compiled by 
> John Woram. However, and this is the significant bit:
>
> "I have supplemented this list with my own research and reporting, 
> verifying the information whenever possible with the curators at the 
> institutions, most of whom were very open to assisting me. I also 
> visited each of the six affected institutions and examined the books 
> and maps themselves, in most cases personally viewing and 
> photographing the items that have been recovered. While inevitably 
> there may be errors in the listing, the final lists are as close to 
> definitive as I have been able to make them."
>
> Even if rare map dealers do not acquire the book they should certainly 
> make sure to have those lists beside them when considering a future 
> purchase of any similar item listed there. Otherwise the requirement 
> for 'due diligence' will not have been met.
>
>
> Tony Campbell
>
> http://www.maphistory.info/fakesnotes.html
>
>
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