📖 Overview
Miles Harvey is an American journalist and author best known for his non-fiction works, particularly "The Island of Lost Maps: A True Story of Cartographic Crime" (2000), which became an international bestseller and was named one of the top ten books of 2000 by USA Today and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Harvey's work frequently explores historical narratives and true crime, blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling. His book "Painter in a Savage Land: The Strange Saga of the First European Artist in North America" (2008) chronicles the life of Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, a 16th-century French artist and explorer.
As a professor at DePaul University, Harvey teaches creative writing and journalism while continuing to produce long-form journalism and books. His articles have appeared in notable publications including The New York Times, Outside, and National Geographic Traveler.
Harvey's most recent work, "The King of Confidence" (2020), examines the life of James Strang, a 19th-century Mormon leader who declared himself king of a small island in Lake Michigan. The book demonstrates Harvey's continued interest in unusual historical figures and events that illuminate larger themes in American history.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Harvey's investigative depth and ability to weave historical research into engaging narratives. "The Island of Lost Maps" receives particular attention for making cartographic history accessible and interesting. One reader on Goodreads noted: "Harvey turns what could be dry historical facts into a fascinating true crime story."
"The King of Confidence" earns recognition for its thorough research and storytelling approach. Multiple readers highlight Harvey's talent for balancing historical detail with readability.
Common criticisms include occasional pacing issues and tangential details. Some readers of "Painter in a Savage Land" mention difficulty following multiple narrative threads.
Ratings across platforms:
- "The Island of Lost Maps": 3.8/5 on Goodreads (3,800+ ratings), 4.2/5 on Amazon
- "The King of Confidence": 4.0/5 on Goodreads (1,200+ ratings), 4.4/5 on Amazon
- "Painter in a Savage Land": 3.6/5 on Goodreads (200+ ratings), 4.1/5 on Amazon
📚 Books by Miles Harvey
The Island of Lost Maps: A True Story of Cartographic Crime (2000)
An examination of map thief Gilbert Bland Jr. and the subculture of rare map collecting, incorporating historical accounts of cartography and exploration.
Painter in a Savage Land: The Strange Saga of the First European Artist in North America (2008) A biographical account of Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, a 16th-century French artist who documented Native American life in Florida.
Look at Me! Look at Me!: How to Get Attention Without Being an A-hole (2016) A guide exploring methods for gaining recognition while maintaining ethical behavior, drawing from research and real-world examples.
King of Confidence (2020) A historical narrative about James Strang, a 19th-century Mormon leader who declared himself king of a small island in Lake Michigan.
Painter in a Savage Land: The Strange Saga of the First European Artist in North America (2008) A biographical account of Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, a 16th-century French artist who documented Native American life in Florida.
Look at Me! Look at Me!: How to Get Attention Without Being an A-hole (2016) A guide exploring methods for gaining recognition while maintaining ethical behavior, drawing from research and real-world examples.
King of Confidence (2020) A historical narrative about James Strang, a 19th-century Mormon leader who declared himself king of a small island in Lake Michigan.
👥 Similar authors
Erik Larson writes narrative nonfiction that blends historical events with character-driven storytelling. Like Harvey, he focuses on meticulous research while maintaining a strong narrative thread through his works.
Simon Winchester specializes in non-fiction books that combine historical investigation with cultural analysis. His approach to uncovering forgotten stories and examining historical artifacts mirrors Harvey's methodology in works like "The Island of Lost Maps."
David Grann writes investigative non-fiction that follows both historical mysteries and contemporary crimes. His research methods and focus on obsessive characters align with Harvey's exploration of map thieves and historical figures.
Tony Horwitz explores historical events through first-person investigation and archival research. His combination of travel writing and historical examination parallels Harvey's approach to uncovering stories.
Peter Nichols writes about maritime history and exploration with emphasis on individual characters and their motivations. His work shares Harvey's interest in historical obsessions and the intersection of adventure and scholarship.
Simon Winchester specializes in non-fiction books that combine historical investigation with cultural analysis. His approach to uncovering forgotten stories and examining historical artifacts mirrors Harvey's methodology in works like "The Island of Lost Maps."
David Grann writes investigative non-fiction that follows both historical mysteries and contemporary crimes. His research methods and focus on obsessive characters align with Harvey's exploration of map thieves and historical figures.
Tony Horwitz explores historical events through first-person investigation and archival research. His combination of travel writing and historical examination parallels Harvey's approach to uncovering stories.
Peter Nichols writes about maritime history and exploration with emphasis on individual characters and their motivations. His work shares Harvey's interest in historical obsessions and the intersection of adventure and scholarship.