Firbes Smiley American cartographer and collector Date of Birth: 13.04.1956 Country: USA

1. Forbes Smiley: A Notorious Cartographer and Collector
2. Early Life and Inspiration
3. A Life of Crime
4. The Heist That Went Wrong
5. Sentencing and Aftermath

Forbes Smiley: A Notorious Cartographer and Collector

Forbes Smiley, also known as Edward Forbes Smiley III, was an American cartographer and collector who became the world's most prolific thief of antique and rare geographic maps. Over the course of several years, he sold approximately 100 maps, amassing over $3 million on the black market.

Early Life and Inspiration

Smiley was born on April 13, 1956, in a small town in New Hampshire. Reflecting on his childhood, he described a close-knit community where theft was virtually unheard of. In his college years, Smiley and his friends envisioned creating a communal residence after graduation, a refuge from the hustle and grime of urban life. However, financial constraints hindered his aspiration.

A Life of Crime

While studying an antique map in a library, Smiley realized the potential value of these documents. He embarked on a series of thefts, targeting libraries across America. Rather than using forged documents, he relied on the forgetfulness of librarians. With connections in the black market, Smiley sold the maps swiftly, using the proceeds to fund his dream of a utopian town.

The Heist That Went Wrong

Smiley's luck ran out when a library employee noticed a small knife in his possession and alerted the authorities. Upon his arrest, Smiley confessed his crimes, providing details of his operations and the libraries he had visited. Authorities recovered 10 maps, but many others remain lost.

Sentencing and Aftermath

Smiley was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison, which ended on January 15, 2010. His story captivated the public, inspiring a biographical novel by Michael Blanding, "The Map Thief," released in 2014. Despite his crimes, Smiley's legacy is a complex one, intertwining theft with a misguided attempt at community building.