Joey S. (Joey) reviewed on 3/29/2006 + 404 more book reviews

"...In The Island of Lost Maps, a wonderfully rich excursion into ...what might be called cartographomania, Harvey follows Bland's tracks from library to library, reconstructing the crimes of the man he deems the Al Capone of map theft...

Along the way, Harvey examines the history of cartography generally, and the ravenous market for old maps-once the quiet province of a few knowing collectors, now invaded by speculators. These maps are just another corner of the overpriced status-symbol commodity market--and one that richly rewarded Bland's nefarious work.

Harvey's winding narrative, full of learned detours, adds up to a superbly rendered tale of true crime...one that will appeal to book lovers and mystery buffs in equal measure.
Gregory McNamee amazon

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