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In the Blink of an Eye
In1843, Edinburgh artist, David Octavius Hill, is commissioned to paint the portraits of 400 ministers who have broken away from the Church of Scotland. Only when he meets Robert Adamson, an early master of the new and fickle art of photography, does this daunting task begin to look feasible. Hill is soon bewitched by the art of light and shade. He and Adamson become the darlings of Edinburgh society, immortalising people and places with their subtle and artistic images. In the Blink of an Eye is a re-imagining of Hill’s life in the words of those who were beguiled by his artistry and charismatic charm. Tender, tragic and sometimes humorous, these voices come together in a story of art and science, love and loss, friendship and photography.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2018
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 21, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It's a fictionalised account of one of the key figures in the history of photography, told not from his own perspective but chiefly by the women around him. I loved the structure, the multiple perspectives, the engagement with Victorian Scottish life, the setting, the characterisation - just a great read, one I cannot recommend enough.
July 26, 2019
This well-researched book takes the reader into the world just before the advent of photography. The famous names of that invention are not the subject of the book, but the development work on calotypes in Scotland.
The Scottish settings are perhaps the strongest element of the book, being beautifully written.
In a situation where having any picture of oneself or loved or revered ones became a well-known feature in peoples' lives, these Scottish artist/chemist personalities strived to succeed. Their hardships and ways of life are illuminated for us, and the stories of each portrayed. There are continuities and discontinuities, so that close identification with one particular character is not the focus of the novel; more, it is the process of producing calotypes from the perspective of those at work in the area. The detailed description of the processes is fascinating, always set within the context of the arc of the characters' journey.
This novel will appeal to those who enjoy biographies. The author has taken great trouble to remain as true to facts as is possible when writing over a century after the characters' deaths.
The Scottish settings are perhaps the strongest element of the book, being beautifully written.
In a situation where having any picture of oneself or loved or revered ones became a well-known feature in peoples' lives, these Scottish artist/chemist personalities strived to succeed. Their hardships and ways of life are illuminated for us, and the stories of each portrayed. There are continuities and discontinuities, so that close identification with one particular character is not the focus of the novel; more, it is the process of producing calotypes from the perspective of those at work in the area. The detailed description of the processes is fascinating, always set within the context of the arc of the characters' journey.
This novel will appeal to those who enjoy biographies. The author has taken great trouble to remain as true to facts as is possible when writing over a century after the characters' deaths.
August 14, 2018
Having read one novel from this press and really enjoyed it - Sometimes A River Song - I looked at their small catalogue and, shunning those that seemed violent, took a risk on this, even though it sounded of esoteric interest and begins with Victorian clergymen after an event in Scottish history of which I knew nothing. The cast of characters is large and challenging. The focus on early photography is a risky one, and I doubted that Bacon could sustain mine - but I was quite wrong. As I read on, the characters became clear and real, I learned with fascination more than I thought I needed to know about the art and science of calotypes, and I started to care. So stick with it. This is a worthwhile, individual read that becomes absorbing intellectually and emotionally engaging. It's really about loss - as all great writing is - but also about creativity, women's independence and society's expectations of men too. I am now determined to find the artworks mentioned in the book. I am heartened that in this ruthlessly commercial age when books have to 'grab' our attention with high drama, and fine novels are not 'plotty' enough for a wider (U.S.) market, this book has been accepted and supported by a publisher concerned with quality and originality. Incidentally, it would make a great film and it DOES have a USP!!
November 14, 2019
The novel is woven around events beginning in 1843 when artist David Octavius Hill agrees to paint a monumental portrait of 400 ministers who have broken away from the established Church of Scotland. When he meets Robert Adamson – an early practitioner in the emerging art of photography – Hill becomes fascinated with the new and exciting possibility the art form offers and the way it can immortalise its subjects and their way of life. Hill decides to use photographs to assist him in the painting of the 400 – an undertaken destined to become the bane of his life. With her skillful use of multiple points of view and in beautiful, pitch-perfect prose, Bacon slowly reveals the tragedies and triumphs of Hill’s life along with others who were close to him.
I found the novel a little slow and confusing at first but I’m glad I stayed with it. This is a profoundly moving and tender story and one that will stay with me for a long time.
I found the novel a little slow and confusing at first but I’m glad I stayed with it. This is a profoundly moving and tender story and one that will stay with me for a long time.
April 8, 2018
Ali Bacon’s individual stories build, chapter by chapter, an absorbing fictionalised overview of a point in history where religion, art and science meet. The voice – or voices – perfectly evokes both time and place, the style reminiscent of Victorian novels (although without the boring bits) and with a smattering of dialect to delight (who couldn’t love the word hirple?) without interrupting the reading process.
Full review
Where religion, art and science coincide: In the Blink of an Eye by Ali Bacon http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/...
Full review
Where religion, art and science coincide: In the Blink of an Eye by Ali Bacon http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/1/post/...
March 25, 2023
Scotland in the 19th century when photography was a new medium. Focussing on a variety of different characters this is centred around the image taken of a group of ministers. It's lovely in the way it's written but rather slow moving. I did like it though.
August 22, 2018
In the Blink of an Eye is a beautifully written book, and nothing like I expected. I'd assumed it was about the history of photography. Instead I found both fact and fiction, set within a cast of fascinating characters. Whose voices were distinct and strong. I was captivated by the story and very sad when it ended!
September 15, 2018
With vivid descriptions of Edinburgh, insights into Victorian society and the early days of photography, a extensive cast of well drawn characters, this book is thoroughly engrossing.
I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed it.
July 28, 2019
I thought I would like this book but it turned out I loved it! In the Blink of an Eye is well structured with carefully crafted narrative voices. It is a fascinating story with wonderful descriptions of Edinburgh, one of my favourite cities. Beautifully written – I thoroughly recommend it.
May 27, 2019
In the Blink of an Eye, by Ali Bacon, is set in 19th century Edinburgh. A breakaway group of 400 ministers have left the established Kirk to form a free church. David Octavius Hill, a respected and lauded artist in the city, offers to paint a portrait of these men of faith. His commission is to commemorate what is being referred to as the Great Disruption. It becomes the bane of his career.
Capturing likenesses in sketches would be a time consuming process for all so Hill accepts the help of a man newly arrived in Edinburgh. Robert Adamson uses his camera to capture images quickly on specially treated paper. The skills required to produce these calotypes fascinate Hill who recognises the potential for artistry. The two men become friends as well as colleagues and their work is soon sought after by many of Edinburgh’s high society.
The story told covers the period from just before the Disruption, in 1843, to the first public display of the painting 23 years later. Although many details of lives and interactions are imagined by the author, they are based around known facts about Hill and those in his circle. Only two of the large cast of characters are entirely fictitious. All the paintings and calotypes referred to exist.
Adamson was born and raised in St Andrews, suffering regular bouts of ill health. His family are concerned when he moves to Edinburgh – Auld Reekie – for the sake of his career. His part in the tale provides a fascinating insight into early photographic techniques and its growth in popularity – calotypes purchased become valued family mementos.
Hill is a widower with a young child, Charlotte. He is portrayed as a charismatic man, a favourite with the ladies. These ladies include a family friend who is curious about how things work and assists Adamson, an aspiring artist who takes up sculpture, and an art critic who divides her time between Edinburgh and London. At a time when women were expected to marry, these characters live remarkably independently. They are potential love interests but also rounded people.
Also referenced in the story is George Meikle Kemp, the architect of Edinburgh’s Scott Monument which was under construction at the time of the Disruption.
The structure of the story allows the reader to drop in on the lives of key characters and watch how they develop over two decades. Friendships wax and wane. There are marriages and deaths. Art in its many forms is a key influence but rarely provides the desired fulfilment. Love in its many forms is underrated until a loved one departs.
The story brought to life many landmarks in the city as well as the lives of the historic residents featured. I was saddened to read that one grand house mentioned, Rockville, was demolished in 1966.
While cities evolve, certain attitudes remain. The views of the privileged towards those living in the overcrowded old town tenements, especially when compared to the fishwives of Leith, offer a picture of moral concern with little understanding. This felt timely given the many homeless in the city today.
The writing is adroit and taut, the storytelling subtle and affecting. The reader will become invested in Hill’s predicaments as he ages. Characters who appear briefly add to the depth and interest, there is much in their inclusion that will linger. This is a tale that is well worth reading.
Capturing likenesses in sketches would be a time consuming process for all so Hill accepts the help of a man newly arrived in Edinburgh. Robert Adamson uses his camera to capture images quickly on specially treated paper. The skills required to produce these calotypes fascinate Hill who recognises the potential for artistry. The two men become friends as well as colleagues and their work is soon sought after by many of Edinburgh’s high society.
The story told covers the period from just before the Disruption, in 1843, to the first public display of the painting 23 years later. Although many details of lives and interactions are imagined by the author, they are based around known facts about Hill and those in his circle. Only two of the large cast of characters are entirely fictitious. All the paintings and calotypes referred to exist.
Adamson was born and raised in St Andrews, suffering regular bouts of ill health. His family are concerned when he moves to Edinburgh – Auld Reekie – for the sake of his career. His part in the tale provides a fascinating insight into early photographic techniques and its growth in popularity – calotypes purchased become valued family mementos.
Hill is a widower with a young child, Charlotte. He is portrayed as a charismatic man, a favourite with the ladies. These ladies include a family friend who is curious about how things work and assists Adamson, an aspiring artist who takes up sculpture, and an art critic who divides her time between Edinburgh and London. At a time when women were expected to marry, these characters live remarkably independently. They are potential love interests but also rounded people.
Also referenced in the story is George Meikle Kemp, the architect of Edinburgh’s Scott Monument which was under construction at the time of the Disruption.
The structure of the story allows the reader to drop in on the lives of key characters and watch how they develop over two decades. Friendships wax and wane. There are marriages and deaths. Art in its many forms is a key influence but rarely provides the desired fulfilment. Love in its many forms is underrated until a loved one departs.
The story brought to life many landmarks in the city as well as the lives of the historic residents featured. I was saddened to read that one grand house mentioned, Rockville, was demolished in 1966.
While cities evolve, certain attitudes remain. The views of the privileged towards those living in the overcrowded old town tenements, especially when compared to the fishwives of Leith, offer a picture of moral concern with little understanding. This felt timely given the many homeless in the city today.
The writing is adroit and taut, the storytelling subtle and affecting. The reader will become invested in Hill’s predicaments as he ages. Characters who appear briefly add to the depth and interest, there is much in their inclusion that will linger. This is a tale that is well worth reading.
April 11, 2018
In Victorian Scotland, two pioneers of early photography come together, and it is this chance meeting between landscape artist, David Octavius Hill and photographer, Robert Adamson, which forms the background to this fascinating novel about the development of photography, not just as an art form, but also as a way of highlighting social change.
Charged, in 1843, with the mammoth task of visually recording over 400 ministers to commemorate the auspicious beginning of the Free Kirk in Scotland, Hill was persuaded to employ the services of Adamson, in order to individually photograph each of the ministers, so that Hill could then reproduce them, en masse, in a huge painting. (The 5' painting was eventally finished in 1866)
From the start of In the Blink of an Eye I was immersed in the story of how these two pioneers of photography came together and of their shared enthusiasm for recording images using light and paper. The author writes well and knowledgeably about the subject, and it's obvious that a great deal of research has gone into bringing this story alive. There is an authenticity in the way the story is allowed to unfold, and which gradually builds to form a fascinating snapshot of Edinburgh in the mid-1840s. I loved the little snippets of Scottish dialect which are thrown like gems into the story and which give the book a homely feel and stop it from becoming too serious.
I love novels which inform as well as entertain, and I have been both informed and entertained by In the Blink of an Eye which, not only, gave me an insight into the history and development of photography in Scotland, but which also told a lovely story of those people who flitted into, and out of, the lives of these two stalwart pioneers.
That Hill and Adamson's creativity, imagination and enthusiasm come alive again is testament to the strength of this author’s fine writing and of her having the foresight and passion to write about them in such a fascinating and thought-provoking way.
Charged, in 1843, with the mammoth task of visually recording over 400 ministers to commemorate the auspicious beginning of the Free Kirk in Scotland, Hill was persuaded to employ the services of Adamson, in order to individually photograph each of the ministers, so that Hill could then reproduce them, en masse, in a huge painting. (The 5' painting was eventally finished in 1866)
From the start of In the Blink of an Eye I was immersed in the story of how these two pioneers of photography came together and of their shared enthusiasm for recording images using light and paper. The author writes well and knowledgeably about the subject, and it's obvious that a great deal of research has gone into bringing this story alive. There is an authenticity in the way the story is allowed to unfold, and which gradually builds to form a fascinating snapshot of Edinburgh in the mid-1840s. I loved the little snippets of Scottish dialect which are thrown like gems into the story and which give the book a homely feel and stop it from becoming too serious.
I love novels which inform as well as entertain, and I have been both informed and entertained by In the Blink of an Eye which, not only, gave me an insight into the history and development of photography in Scotland, but which also told a lovely story of those people who flitted into, and out of, the lives of these two stalwart pioneers.
That Hill and Adamson's creativity, imagination and enthusiasm come alive again is testament to the strength of this author’s fine writing and of her having the foresight and passion to write about them in such a fascinating and thought-provoking way.
January 5, 2020
In 1843, Edinburgh artist, David Octavius Hill, is commissioned to paint the portraits of 400 ministers who have broken away from the Church of Scotland.
It’s only a meeting with Robert Adamson, an early master of the new art of photography, that makes the task seem possible. It’s not long before their attempts to immortalise both people and places, means Hill and Adamson are feted by Edinburgh society.
Victorian Edinburgh, especially Newhaven, and the surrounding outdoors is wonderfully drawn backdrop for the story of the birth of photography and the characters who were involved. Bacon uses the voices of a selection of women to tell their stories – and in doing so, provide an insight into the lives and personalities of Hill and Adamson. The result is a lively, fitting ‘snapshot’ of the period, whether your interest is Victoriana, early photography or Edinburgh history – it all comes alive.
It’s also, quite simply, a well-told story that reads like a novel, through the multiple points of view and the carefully constructed dialogue.
In the Blink of an Eye is a merging of historical fact and fiction, a re-imagining of D.O Hill’s life by those who came to know him. Told with a balance of humour and sensitivity, it’s a story of art and science, of love and loss, friendship and photography.
It’s only a meeting with Robert Adamson, an early master of the new art of photography, that makes the task seem possible. It’s not long before their attempts to immortalise both people and places, means Hill and Adamson are feted by Edinburgh society.
Victorian Edinburgh, especially Newhaven, and the surrounding outdoors is wonderfully drawn backdrop for the story of the birth of photography and the characters who were involved. Bacon uses the voices of a selection of women to tell their stories – and in doing so, provide an insight into the lives and personalities of Hill and Adamson. The result is a lively, fitting ‘snapshot’ of the period, whether your interest is Victoriana, early photography or Edinburgh history – it all comes alive.
It’s also, quite simply, a well-told story that reads like a novel, through the multiple points of view and the carefully constructed dialogue.
In the Blink of an Eye is a merging of historical fact and fiction, a re-imagining of D.O Hill’s life by those who came to know him. Told with a balance of humour and sensitivity, it’s a story of art and science, of love and loss, friendship and photography.
April 15, 2018
I’ve just finished reading Ali Bacon’s novel ‘In the Blink of an Eye’ (published by the wonderful Linen Press), which tells the story of the collaboration between artist David Octavius Hill and photography pioneer Robert Adamson in Scotland in the 1850s – and found it an utterly absorbing read. It has encouraged me to go away and read up about the two men, and that period of ecclesiastical history – as well as to pore for hours over online reproductions of Hill’s great Disruption Painting.
I say ‘novel’, and novel it is, but the author has ingeniously woven a series of what are in effect standalone short stories into one satisfying narrative whole, building a vivid and utterly coherent world from the various diverse threads. The period and place are captured beautifully, as well as all the many voices. What struck me most, though, was the richness of the book in thematic terms. I especially liked the way the author’s own subtle blend of fact and fiction is mirrored by the interplay between photography and art, making us question the reliability of the borderlines between the real and the imagined. Brilliant stuff!
(In the interests of full disclosure I should say that I have met the author and would regard her as a friend – but the foregoing is my honest opinion of the book.)
I say ‘novel’, and novel it is, but the author has ingeniously woven a series of what are in effect standalone short stories into one satisfying narrative whole, building a vivid and utterly coherent world from the various diverse threads. The period and place are captured beautifully, as well as all the many voices. What struck me most, though, was the richness of the book in thematic terms. I especially liked the way the author’s own subtle blend of fact and fiction is mirrored by the interplay between photography and art, making us question the reliability of the borderlines between the real and the imagined. Brilliant stuff!
(In the interests of full disclosure I should say that I have met the author and would regard her as a friend – but the foregoing is my honest opinion of the book.)
July 7, 2025
I adore Ali Bacon's writing, she has a wonderful turn of phrase and exceptional skill at bringing characters and places to life in vivid, sensory, detail.
This captivating account of Edinburgh artist Davis Octavius Hill and his partnership with the photography pioneer, Robert Adamson is wonderfully human and achingly tender. Building a picture through the voices of those who knew them brings a fascinating dimension to the work and allows a compelling glimpse, for example, into the dreams and passions of Victorian women.
Ali Bacon writes with confidence and her impeccable research is evident. Woven thorough the narrative with a lightness of touch are details of the Great Disruption in the Scottish Church, the early days and challenges of photography, and the realities of life in Victorian Scotland. This is a book that leaves you itching to see for yourself the art created by Hill and Adamson. An excellent read!
This captivating account of Edinburgh artist Davis Octavius Hill and his partnership with the photography pioneer, Robert Adamson is wonderfully human and achingly tender. Building a picture through the voices of those who knew them brings a fascinating dimension to the work and allows a compelling glimpse, for example, into the dreams and passions of Victorian women.
Ali Bacon writes with confidence and her impeccable research is evident. Woven thorough the narrative with a lightness of touch are details of the Great Disruption in the Scottish Church, the early days and challenges of photography, and the realities of life in Victorian Scotland. This is a book that leaves you itching to see for yourself the art created by Hill and Adamson. An excellent read!
January 3, 2019
In 1843 painter and pioneer photographer David Octavius Hill was commissioned to paint an ambitious picture illustrating ‘The Great Disruption’ when over 450 ministers formed the Free Church of Scotland. Hill’s struggle, and his friendship with the nascent photographer Robert Adamson, to complete this massive representation is the backdrop to this fascinating book. Ali Bacon skilfully tells the story, and weaves the narrative from a number of points of view. Her writing is beautiful, perceptive and wise. She offers a new perspective on this period of history when the science of photography is on the cusp. She also provides an authentic feel to the era – windy walks on the cliffs, coal fires and buttoned-up domestic Victorian formality. Informative and gently humorous, In the Blink of an Eye is a charming novel that vividly captures Edinburgh society in the mid 1800s.
June 30, 2025
This novel uses a variety of different narrators to build up an absorbing account of life in Edinburgh in the second half of the 19th century. Appropriate, really, to build the storyline via these ‘snapshots’ as the novel is about artists exploring the new technology of ‘calotypes’ – early photographs. Each story-snapshot of the lives portrayed is vivid and builds to a rich ‘album’.
The writing is highly articulate and often very moving. The story is mostly, but not exclusively, about the upper class circle surrounding artist D.O. Hill, including chapters from his perspective and those of people close to him.
Ali Bacon’s characters are fully inhabited in all their range and variety, and I felt real pangs on reading accounts of love and the unavoidable losses people had to come to terms with in the Victorian age. I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this story, and recommend it.
The writing is highly articulate and often very moving. The story is mostly, but not exclusively, about the upper class circle surrounding artist D.O. Hill, including chapters from his perspective and those of people close to him.
Ali Bacon’s characters are fully inhabited in all their range and variety, and I felt real pangs on reading accounts of love and the unavoidable losses people had to come to terms with in the Victorian age. I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this story, and recommend it.
May 3, 2018
Through the eyes of women close to the key players, the early history (in mid-1880s Edinburgh) of the science, art and social impact of photography is brought vividly alive. This may sound dry, or of only specialist interest, but it is neither. The writing is often startlingly beautiful, the characters very engaging, and the moving personal stories of the two pioneers – D. O. Hill (artist) and Robert Adamson (photography) – kept me engrossed throughout. An intelligent, accomplished novel that deserves a wide readership.
June 12, 2019
A fascinating little book that really stayed with me. The format is unusual, it's told from multiple points of view, most of them female and I had to concentrate quite hard to work out the thread at the beginning. However once I got the hang of the style, I really liked it. The individuals all throw some light on this history of early photography in St Andrew's and Edinburgh and give real insight into 19th Century lives. Most importantly for me, the lives of women. Ambitious and clever.
July 1, 2025
Such a beautifully written book about DO Hill and Robert Adamson and the birth of photography in Edinburgh. Told from the perspectives of various women in their lives, the author built an intriguing story that brought the subject, as well as the people and the setting, to life in a quiet yet compelling way. If you like a well researched book that reads like a novel, this is one for you
October 8, 2025
I so enjoyed reading about Edinburgh's early photographers in this meticulously researched and sensitively written re-imagining of David Ocavius Hill's life. Ali brings real characters to life in such a respectful and captivating way, I couldn't put it down!
November 23, 2025
This book should be more interesting than I found it, and I’m familiar with the story of the Scottish photographers portrayed. I’m not keen on the fictionalising of their relationships and jamming a few Scottish words in the dialogue felt clunky.
April 7, 2019
Beautiful book, so well-written. Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews