Tim — The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan

As a Young Apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio.

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Tim ~ Timothy H. O'Sullivan

Based on the life of Timothy H. O'Sullivan, Tim is a ten-year-old apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio...

Mathew B. Brady

Tim is sent to work at Brady's Daguerreotype Gallery on Broadway...

Jenny Lind

The Swedish Nightengale is the most sought-after celebrity by all the Broadway photographers...

P.T. Barnum

Barnum, the manager of Jenny Lind, will not grant Brady access to the Sweet Warbler...

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Tim — The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice

Goodreads Review: ★★★★★

Tim Book Cover

 

Book Trailer: Click here to view YouTube Book Trailer:
"This is more than just a coming-of-age story—it’s a tribute to the pioneers of photography and a love letter to 19th-century New York."

By Nikita's Booktique Hub

Step back into the bustling streets of 1850s New York with Tim, a vivid and immersive historical novel that blends the wonder of Willy Wonka with the grit of Gangs of New York. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Timothy O’Sullivan, we experience the magic of early photography, the spectacle of Barnum’s Museum, and the frenzy surrounding Swedish singing sensation Jenny Lind. Sheridan masterfully transports readers to a time when ambition, art, and showmanship collided in fascinating ways.

As Tim apprentices at Mathew Brady’s renowned daguerreotype studio, he becomes entangled in the city’s vibrant yet cutthroat world. From shadowing Brady in his quest to photograph Jenny Lind to discovering the oddities inside Barnum’s Museum, every moment is filled with historical richness and intrigue. The detailed storytelling captures the textures, smells, and energy of a rapidly evolving New York, making readers feel like they are truly there.

GoodreadsSheridan’s writing balances the innocence of a young boy’s journey with the stark realities of an era shaped by industrial progress and social change. Tim’s curiosity and resilience make him a compelling protagonist, while real-life figures like Brady and Barnum add depth to the narrative. This is more than just a coming-of-age story—it’s a tribute to the pioneers of photography and a love letter to 19th-century New York.

A must-read for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and lovers of atmospheric storytelling. Tim is a beautifully woven tale where ambition meets artistry, and where a single photograph has the power to change everything. Don’t miss this gem! ❏

Click here to read Tim book review on GoodReads.com

Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

Tim Book CoverA stunning story of youthful determination and a nascent technology that would change the world. Sheridan's descriptive passages capture the same immersive beauty of a photograph, and he regularly brings forgotten details of the old smoky metropolis to life. 

Tim rings with authenticity that readers will relish, inspired as it was by the real Tim O'Sullivan's early experiences.

Making readers lose themselves in a fictional history is a masterful skill, which Sheridan demonstrates in spades throughout this brilliant historical portrait. ❏

Book Review on Amazon by Grady Harp

GoodReads Review: ★★★★★

Tim Book Cover
‘I am looking for that indefinable something which conveys my artistic vision’ – History comes alive!
By Grady Harp - GoodReads.com

Author Daniel A. Sheridan studied photojournalism and the history of photography at New York University and served as a darkroom technician at The Photography Workshop, as editor and photographer at Low-RANGE magazine, and as a drummer in the band The Immigrants.

TIM is his debut novel – and who better to write this book than Daniel?! For those unfamiliar, Timothy H. O’Sullivan (1840 – 1882) was a photographer widely known for his photographs of the US Civil War and the American West.

Bringing to our attention the special gifts of the often-overlooked Timothy H. O’Sullivan, the apprentice to the famous photographer Matthew Brady, this immensely entertaining novel recreates the mid-nineteenth century and an important overview of the history of photography.

GoodreadsThe interaction between Tim and Brady is beautifully rendered, offering insights into the development from daguerreotype to photograph – or in Brady’s advice to Tim, ‘The war over photography... The French process versus the English process. We must choose our allies carefully and know our enemy. You see, we’ve been working with the daguerreotype process for these last ten years…’

By inserting his own progress in photography alongside Tim’s progress, Daniel makes this book ring true and even more accessible in honoring the art and history of photography. This is a fascinating and beautifully written book – one that deserves a very wide audience. Highly recommended.❏

Click here to read book review by Grady Harp on GoodReads.com

Tim — The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice

Tim Book Cover

 

 

"This book holds all the ingredients for a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film adaptation. It is a riveting journey that will leave audiences mesmerized and inspired by the enduring power of art and the human spirit."

Brad Christenson - Reviewer
Film Content & Creative Specialist | Kew Media

Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio is an exceptional tale that skillfully transports readers back to a pivotal moment in America's history. The author, Daniel A. Sheridan, weaves a stunning narrative of youthful determination and the revolutionary technology of daguerreotypes that would shape the world.

The protagonist, young Tim, finds himself unexpectedly apprenticed to the legendary Mathew Brady, a renowned daguerreotypist with a studio on Broadway. This turn of events marks a dramatic shift from Tim's expected path as a carpenter, and it sets the stage for a captivating coming-of-age story. Through Sheridan's vivid prose, readers are immersed in historical New York, where the buzz of artistic ambition meets the spectacle of P.T. Barnum's American Museum.

Tim's journey unfolds with enthralling twists and turns, as he becomes an invaluable companion to Brady, proving his worth through cleverness and determination. The book's inclusion of photographic lore and technical details of daguerreotypes adds a layer of authenticity, making the story even more immersive. The encounters with iconic figures like P.T. Barnum and the enchanting Miss Jenny Lind add depth and excitement to Tim's exploration of the city's vibrant past.

Sheridan's descriptive prowess shines brightly, painting the scenes with the same depth and vividness as a photograph itself. His ability to breathe life into forgotten details of old New York creates a rich and immersive reading experience.

While the book is largely authentic in its portrayal of the era, a few editorial imperfections can be polished, but they do not detract from the overall brilliance of the story. The engaging plot may take a bit of time to fully take off, but once Tim finds his place at Brady's studio, the pace becomes gripping, carrying readers along on a fascinating adventure.

A remarkable aspect of "Tim" is the seamless blend of fiction and historical authenticity, inspired by the real-life experiences of the photographer Timothy H. O'Sullivan. Sheridan's masterful storytelling allows readers to lose themselves in a fictional history without feeling like they are reading a dry historical account. The result is a brilliant historical portrait that captivates and resonates with readers long after the final page.

In conclusion, "Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio" is an extraordinary work of historical fiction. With its authentic setting, compelling characters, and seamless blending of real history and captivating storytelling, this book holds all the ingredients for a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film adaptation. It is a riveting journey that will leave audiences mesmerized and inspired by the enduring power of art and the human spirit. ❏

Brad Christenson - Reviewer
Film Content & Creative Specialist | Kew Media

Instagram & Goodreads Book Review

Goodreads Review: ★★★★★

Tim Book CoverBy Naveen Santwani

"The novel’s themes—curiosity, ambition, and the pursuit of capturing fleeting moments—resonate deeply, reminding us of photography’s power in preserving history."

Daniel A. Sheridan’s Tim immediately captivates with its rich historical setting and an intriguing premise. The story transports us to 1850s New York, a world filled with the early wonders of photography, bustling city streets, and the spectacle of Jenny Lind’s American debut. The first impression is that of stepping into a time machine, where history and fiction blend seamlessly. Author’s meticulous attention to period details makes the setting feel alive, immersing readers in the era’s sights, sounds, and even its ambitions.

The story follows young Tim O’Sullivan, who apprentices at Mathew Brady’s daguerreotype studio and finds himself swept up in the high-stakes world of celebrity photography. His encounters with P.T. Barnum, Jenny Lind, and the gritty realities of19th-century New York make for a compelling coming-of-age story. Thewriting is immersive and cinematic, evoking a sense of adventure while maintaining historical authenticity. The novel’s themes—curiosity, ambition, and the pursuit of capturing fleeting moments—resonate deeply, reminding us of photography’s power in preserving history.

GoodreadsAuthor masterfully balances history and storytelling, making Tim both educational and entertaining. The book highlights how determination and keen observation can shape destiny, a message that lingers beyond the last page. As a lover of history and storytelling, I found this journey through old New York fascinating, and Tim’s perspective made it all the more engaging. For readers who enjoy historical fiction with a mix of adventure and artistry, this book is a must-read! ❏

Click here to read Tim book review on GoodReads.com

Instagram & Goodreads Book Review

Bookstagram Review: ★★★★★

By Tim Book CoverAnjali Bookreviews

"Through Tim’s eyes, we don’t just observe 1850s New York—we step inside it, feeling the hum of Broadway, the allure of Barnum’s Museum, and the raw energy of a city on the verge of modernity."

Some books tell a story. Others develop a photograph, layer by layer, until an entire world is illuminated. *Tim* by Daniel A. Sheridan is one such novel—a literary daguerreotype that captures not just a moment in time but the spirit of a city, an art form, and a young boy’s awakening to ambition and possibility.

At its core, *Tim* is about vision—not just the vision required to compose a perfect photograph, but the vision to see beyond what is immediately visible. Young Timothy O’Sullivan, an ordinary boy from Staten Island, is thrust into an extraordinary world when he is sent to apprentice under Mathew Brady, the legendary pioneer of American photography. Through Tim’s eyes, we don’t just observe 1850s New York—we step inside it, feeling the hum of Broadway, the allure of Barnum’s Museum, and the raw energy of a city on the verge of modernity.

The novel opens on September 11, 1850, as Jenny Lind, the “Swedish Nightingale,” prepares for her historic American debut. The entire city is bewitched by her presence, yet one man—Mathew Brady—cannot capture her likeness. P.T. Barnum, the master showman, guards her image with the same fervor that modern celebrities fight to control their own narratives. This battle over visibility, access, and artistry becomes the novel’s undercurrent, mirroring photography’s own struggle to establish itself as a serious art form.

GoodreadsSheridan’s writing is almost photographic in its detail—he doesn’t just describe the world, he develops it like an image emerging from a chemical bath. The glow of gas lamps on rain-slicked streets, the metallic scent of the daguerreotype studio, the nervous energy of an apprentice hoping to prove himself—all of it is vivid, tangible, alive.

But what makes *Tim* remarkable is its deeper question: What does it mean to capture a moment? Is a photograph merely a reflection, or is it a form of immortality? Tim’s journey is not just about mastering a craft; it’s about understanding the power of perspective. ❏

Click here to read Tim book review on GoodReads.com

Instagram & Goodreads Book Review

Instagram Review: ★★★★★

Tim Book CoverMansi Ramwani's Book Blog

"Daniel A. Sheridan masterfully combines historical facts with an engaging, almost cinematic narrative. Tim is a charming protagonist, and through his eyes, we get a front-row seat to the magic and chaos of 19th-century New York."

Witness history through the eyes of a young apprentice in Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O’Sullivan. This book is a fascinating blend of adventure, history, and photography, perfect for anyone who loves a rich historical setting with a touch of wonder.

Tim, a ten-year-old boy from Staten Island, finds himself thrown into the world of Mathew Brady’s famous daguerreotype studio. As he navigates his apprenticeship, the story takes us deep into old New York—where photography, curiosity, and ambition collide. From Barnum’s American Museum to the electric atmosphere surrounding Jenny Lind’s arrival, the book paints a vivid picture of a time when celebrity, innovation, and storytelling were reshaping the world.

GoodreadsDaniel A. Sheridan masterfully combines historical facts with an engaging, almost cinematic narrative. Tim is a charming protagonist, and through his eyes, we get a front-row seat to the magic and chaos of 19th-century New York.

If you love historical fiction that brings the past to life with heart and adventure, Tim is a must-read! ❏

Click here to read Tim book review on GoodReads.com

OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tim" by Patty Allread

OnlineBookClub.org — ★★★★★

Set in 1850, Tim by Daniel A. Sheridan is the story of how Timothy O'Sullivan, a ten-year-old immigrant Irish boy living on Staten Island, began working for Mathew Brady in his daguerreotype studio in New York City. The daguerreotype was all the rage and was called "The New Art." Brady takes Tim under his wing and gives him odd jobs while teaching him how a daguerreotype portrait is created. Tim gets to know New York City and meets some colorful and famous people there, including P. T. Barnum, famed writers, poets, and others who come to the studio to have their portraits made.

What I loved the most was reading about Tim's day-to-day experiences in nineteenth-century New York City. Sheridan paints a lively picture of the era and the city and explains many of the things that were going on at that time. What might seem quaint now was written with a gritty reality as seen through the eyes of young Tim. Sheridan did a great deal of research not only about the now-famous Brady and O'Sullivan but also about the New York lifestyle in 1850. I have always subscribed to the saying, "I Love New York," and thoroughly appreciated this part of the book.

Tim Book Cover

Reading Tim was a sublime experience. The undercurrent of an emerging art form, the growing inspiration of Timothy O'Sullivan, Mathew Brady, and Daniel Sheridan, and the feeling that I witnessed the emergence of this new era of art satisfied and inspired me. For these reasons, this book deserves 5 out of 5 stars. I should also mention that the book was excellently edited, with no errors that I could find. A small notation on the book cover indicates this is Sheridan's first book about O'Sullivan. If he writes a second one, I'll be eager to read it!

Readers interested in the daguerreotype method, photography, or the work of Mathew Brady and Timothy O'Sullivan will enjoy this book because it is not a dry history; it is history creatively brought to life by a skilled writer who researched his material well. Readers who love New York City and the period just before the Civil War will also like this book. Younger readers will find it inspirational to see how a young boy from a low-income family found a deep interest early in life that later became his passion. ❏

Instagram & Goodreads Book Review

Goodreads Review: ★★★★★

Tim Book CoverBy Janvi Santwani

From the very first page, Tim by Daniel A. Sheridan transports readers to a world of wonder, ambition, and history. Set in 1850, the story follows young Timothy O’Sullivan as he embarks on an apprenticeship at Mathew Brady’s famous daguerreotype studio. The novel feels like a mix of Willy Wonka, Gangs of New York, and Let the Great World Spin—blending curiosity, grit, and historical intrigue. The backdrop of a bustling New York, filled with Barnum’s American Museum and the excitement surrounding Jenny Lind’s arrival, immediately pulls you in.

Sheridan’s writing is vivid and immersive, bringing the city’s streets and early photography studios to life. The book is more than just a historical tale—it’s a story of perseverance, artistry, and ambition. Through Tim’s eyes, we witness a worldwhere photography is still in its infancy, and where access to fame is carefully guarded, as seen in the subplot involving P.T. Barnum and Jenny Lind. The balance between real historical events and fictionalized storytelling makes this book both educational and deeply engaging.

GoodreadsOverall, this book is a must-read for history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a compelling coming-of-age story. The novel captures the magic of discovery—whether it’s through a camera lens or navigating a new world. Tim’s journey is one of growth, observation, and determination, making this book a rewarding and immersive read! ❏

Click here to read Tim book review on GoodReads.com

From The Author ~ The Photographs of Timothy H. O'Sullivan

Tim_Ansel Adams

I first learned about Timothy H. O'Sullivan while studying the history of photography at New York University in the spring of 1989. Professor Silver clicked back and forth in a slide show comparing O’Sullivan’s photograph, Ancient Ruins in the Cañon de Chelle, N.M., taken in 1873 with Ansel Adams’ view taken in 1942.

I became curious about this photographer who inspired Ansel Adams with his large-format, view camera. I then went to the Museum of Modern Art to view the photographs of O’Sullivan. At the time, I worked as a darkroom technician restoring old black and white photographs, while studying photojournalism at college.

New York University is an important place in the history of photography. This is where Brady's mentor, Samuel F.S.B. Morse, experimented with the new discovery he recently brought back from Paris — the Daguerreotype. His colleague, Dr. John William Draper, a chemistry professor, took one of the first known portraits with a camera on the rooftop of the university at Washington Square.

Little is known about O’Sullivan. As James D. Horan states in his biography, Timothy O’Sullivan: America’s Forgotten Photographer, “There were few clues, only his name, a four-line obituary...” Though we don’t know much about Tim. What remains are his photographs.

One day after class, I stood on the corner of Broadway and Tenth, the former location of one of Brady’s Studios. Looking at Grace Church, I thought about O'Sullivan and his photographs. Over to the right, down the street, is The Ritz where I saw The Replacements in 1986 perform songs from their album Tim. I then decided to write a book about O'Sullivan as a young apprentice at Mathew Brady's studio and the title would be Tim...

Daniel A. Sheridan

Dan

Amazon Reader Review

If you’re in the mood for something different, expansive, and with a captivating subject matter, this book could be for you. It’s a story of a young boy who becomes an apprentice in the studio and it’s full of passion and vivid descriptions of photography, what that field looked like and what it took to be a part of it. It’s historical fiction, so expect a little creative freedom, but that just makes the writing more immersive. The writing is, in fact, really good; the book is quite long, but the author knows his way with words and every page is there for a reason. The setting is impeccably crafted and it really feels like you’re then and there. I loved it, it’s one of those books that take you by surprise in the best possible way. ❏
Click Here to watch a YouTube Book Promo about Tim.

Amazon Reader Review

This book is an emotional tribute to the great photographer Timothy H. O'Sullivan. The story is set around the mid-nineteenth century and explains how the young Timothy set on the journey to change how photography is viewed today. The writer describes when Timothy becomes a trainee under the veteran Mathew Brady. The author elaborates on how the fusion of photography and art would change how both of these domains will be viewed in the future. The author has also provided the history of the evolution of photography. The writing style is simple and smooth. Overall, “Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio” is an excellent read for photography lovers. ❏Amazon

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