2. The Map Thief: 5. History of certain maps.

[Carol]

5. This was also a book about the history of certain maps, many if not all Mr. Smiley was involved in stealing. Was there a particular theft that bothered you more than others?

[Angela]

I don't remember any particular one, but I would be bothered by him stealing stuff there was only one copy of. I think there was at least one of those. Losing old, fancy, rare copies is still bad, but losing a unique map would be losing that for good.

[Ayse_]

any part where the maps were being cut out of books..

[Chelsea]

Honestly the map John Smith made/used. They spent a lot of time in the beginning describing it and why it was so important and famous. That one stuck with me the most. And I agree, the ones cut out of books and the ones that weren't catalogued so he could hide his trail.

[Carol]

I strongly agree with Ayse and Chelsea. Those same two points stung with me. Even though I had nothing to do with it, I could see that it easily and craftily with a lot of practice could have slowly become an addition and as he was able to manipulate the map books to his use and likeness. I found myself getting madder and angrier as time moved on. UGH!!! He was so charming and creative to accomplish his goal and objection. UGH again! Another point that really stuck with me when they really started working towards finding the steps he took to retrieve the maps. From cutting out of the book, to putting in his pockets and hiding them in different ways.

[Cindy]

I guess what bothered me the most was not one theft but the fact that the institutions wouldn't cooperate with prosecutors because they thought it made them look bad to have been victimized. They are actually enabling these thieves.

[Pam]

Agree with Cindy. Couldn't believe more institutions were unwilling to come forward.

[Ruth]

Excellent comments, I found all the thefts very distressing