Tim: The Story of Timothy H. O'Sullivan as a Young Apprentice at Mathew Brady's Studio

by Daniel A. Sheridan

Willy Wonka meets Gangs of New York
The Story Begins on September 11th, 1850...Based on the life of Timothy O’Sullivan, Tim is a ten-year-old boy from sleepy Staten Island who is told he must apprentice at Mathew Brady’s daguerreotype studio in 1850. As Tim ventures inside, he takes us back into New York’s forgotten past and the history of photography.

Tim- Book Review on GoodReads by Grady Harp
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.

The 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.

423 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2022

About the author

Daniel A. Sheridan was born in New York City in 1965. He worked as a darkroom technician at The Photography Workshop while studying photojournalism and the history of photography at New York University. He developed black & white film until the age of digital cameras and pixels, and later was the editor and photographer at Low-RANGE® magazine. Visit: www.danielsheridan.com

Reviews

[Nikita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 🏙️📷

Sheridan’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! 📖✨

[Scotliteboost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliant Blend of History, Art, and Imagination
Tim by Daniel A. Sheridan is one of those rare debut novels that quietly pulls you into a forgotten time and makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into history. Set in mid-19th century New York, the story follows young Timothy O’Sullivan, an apprentice at Mathew Brady’s legendary daguerreotype studio. What begins as a boy’s coming-of-age journey quickly turns into a vivid exploration of art, ambition, and the birth of modern photography.
Sheridan’s background in photojournalism shines through every page. The descriptions of Brady’s studio, the camera equipment, and the early struggles between photographic processes are incredibly immersive it’s like watching history develop in a darkroom. But beyond the technical beauty, there’s a deeply human story here: a curious young boy discovering his purpose through art and mentorship.
The relationship between Tim and Brady feels authentic and layered part teacher and student, part artist and dreamer. Their dialogue captures both the tension and tenderness of creative growth, reminding readers how innovation often comes from patience, curiosity, and courage. Sheridan’s writing is clean, visual, and emotionally resonant. You can almost smell the chemicals, hear the shutters, and sense the pulse of a rapidly changing America. Tim doesn’t just tell a story it preserves a piece of photographic history with heart and grace.
A must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, art, or stories about creative discovery. Tim deserves a place alongside classics like The Invention of Wings and Girl with a Pearl Earring.

[Naveen Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 of 19th-century New York make for a compelling coming-of-age story. The writing 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.

Author 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!

[Janvi Santwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 world where 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.

Overall, 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!

[Mansi Ramwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into the bustling streets of 1850s New York and 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. 🎭📷

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.

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

[Frank]

Daniel A. Sheridan has crafted something far more ambitious than a simple historical novel. Tim is a genuine reconstruction of a moment in American history that we rarely see explored the messy, experimental, almost mystical birth of photography as an art form. Sheridan’s attention to detail is staggering. Whether he’s describing the texture of a daguerreotype plate or the feel of walking through pre–Civil War New York, every sensory cue feels authentic. But the true strength of the novel lies in Tim himself. His innocence, curiosity, and occasional fear give the book emotional grounding. Through Tim, we witness the awe of capturing an image for the first time an act that feels simultaneously scientific and magical. Sheridan’s portrayal of Mathew Brady adds another layer of depth, offering a portrait of a complicated artist whose genius borders on obsession. A stellar, meticulously researched, emotionally resonant story.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who studied photography, this book hit all the right notes for me. Sheridan perfectly captures the magic of early image-making the smell of chemicals, the shimmer of light on metal plates, the wonder of freezing time for the first time. The relationship between Tim and Brady reminded me of my first mentor: tough love, long hours, and lessons that last a lifetime.
It’s more than historical fiction it’s a love letter to the birth of photography. You can feel Sheridan’s passion for the craft in every scene. The language is rich but approachable, the world meticulously built. It’s rare to find a book that blends history, art, and heart this seamlessly.
A must-read for anyone who’s ever held a camera and wondered who first saw the world this way.

[Simon Calloway]

This book felt like stepping straight into 1850 New York. Sheridan’s attention to historical detail is incredible from the dingy streets of the city to the quiet intimacy of Brady’s studio.
Tim is an endearing protagonist: curious, stubborn, and full of wonder. Watching him grow under Brady’s demanding mentorship was both inspiring and emotional. The writing occasionally meanders, but the payoff is worth it. The story brings forgotten figures like Timothy O’Sullivan to life and gives them the recognition they deserve.
If you’re into Civil War history, early technology, or just enjoy slow-burn historical fiction, this is an excellent read.

[Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timothy H. O’Sullivan is often overshadowed by Mathew Brady in photographic history, but Sheridan brings him front and center with remarkable compassion and depth. What makes this novel so powerful is that it doesn’t simply “tell history” it reconstructs the inner life of a boy destined to become one of America’s most important visual chroniclers. The psychological details shine: Tim’s fear of disappointing Brady, his longing for home, his awe when witnessing the first successful exposure, and even his frustration with failed attempts. Sheridan understands that artistry begins in both skill and vulnerability. This book made me see early photography not as a craft, but as a calling. A rare, emotionally rich portrayal of an artist in the making.

[Alvina Adams]

Okay, I’ll be real I picked this up thinking it was gonna be like a historical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because of that “Willy Wonka meets Gangs of New York” line. It’s not quite that, but it is an interesting peek into old-school photography.
Some parts dragged for me (lots of talk about lenses and processes), but Tim’s journey was compelling, and the teacher-student dynamic had heart.
Did I love it? Not totally. Did I appreciate it? Definitely. Worth reading if you like history with grit and detail.

[Alexa Phillips]

This book completely transported me to 1850s New York! I could almost smell the chemicals from the daguerreotype studio and feel young Tim’s wonder as he learned the art of photography. Sheridan’s attention to historical detail is impeccable, and his writing style makes it all come alive. A must-read for anyone who loves history and art.

[Nicole Cleaveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction book I couldn't put down. Loved the journey of this book. I had no idea who Timothy O'Sullivan or Jenny Lind was til this book. Highly recommend this story. Happy I won this from goodreads.

[Alan Pratt]

Interesting fiction book. I learned a great deal about life in the big city during that time period. Thanks!

[Bookbyanjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Tim*
by Daniel A. Sheridan
5 outof 5 🌟

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.

Sheridan’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.

[Gee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim is a historical fiction novel written by the author Daniel A. Sheridan, published in September 2022. Spanning 423 pages, is a compelling novel that brings to life the story of ten-year-old Timothy O’Sullivan, sent from Staten Island to apprentice at Mathew Brady’s daguerreotype studio. From Jenny Lind’s unforgettable Castle Garden concert to the fascinating curiosities of Barnum’s American Museum, Sheridan masterfully recreates the energy and atmosphere of mid-19th century New York City. What sets this novel apart is how it seamlessly combines historical narrative with the evolution of photography. Through Tim’s apprenticeship under Brady, readers gain insight into the daguerreotype process and the early days of photography, enriched by Sheridan’s own experience as a photojournalist and darkroom technician. The novel is not only educational but also deeply engaging, with multiple story threads that draw the reader into a rich, layered narrative. For readers interested in historical fiction, the history of photography, or stories that transport you to a vividly rendered past, Tim delivers on all fronts. Sheridan’s meticulous research and evocative writing make this a standout debut novel that resonates long after the final page. Highly recommended from my side.

Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A beautifully immersive journey into 1850s New York and the origins of photography.

Final Verdict: A meticulously crafted and highly engaging historical fiction that both educates and entertains—definitely worth adding to your collection.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few debut novels feel as assured as this one. Sheridan manages to intertwine the meticulous technical world of early photography with the emotional journey of a child forced into adulthood far too soon. The story excels in its layered structure: on the surface, it's about Tim’s apprenticeship; underneath, it’s about the birth of modern visual storytelling how images came to shape our understanding of war, identity, and memory. I found the scenes where Brady explains the “war over photography”French vs. English processes particularly fascinating. Sheridan uses these competing techniques as metaphors for choice, change, and progress. Tim, caught in the middle, becomes a stand-in for all young artists torn between tradition and innovation. Every chapter feels intentional. Every detail serves a purpose. By the end, I felt as if I had watched not only Tim grow, but an entire medium come to life. A rare, thoughtful, brilliantly crafted novel.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most impressive achievements of this book is its worldbuilding. Sheridan doesn’t just set his story in 1850 he resurrects it. The streets smell of coal and horse sweat, the studio flickers with candlelight, and the social hierarchy of old New York weighs heavily on each interaction. The comparison to Willy Wonka meets Gangs of New York is surprisingly fitting: there’s wonder in the technical experimentation but also raw danger in the city’s underbelly. The sense of place is so vivid that at times the novel feels cinematic. Tim’s relationship with his environment is as important as his relationship with Brady. Every location from the ferry to the bustling studio to the darkroom reflects a stage in his transformation. Sheridan’s prose carries both precision and poetry. This is historical fiction at its finest.

[JEFFREY SHAWN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what Sheridan accomplishes here is beyond storytelling it’s preservation. He’s taken a largely forgotten figure, Timothy O’Sullivan, and given him a voice, a childhood, and a place in our imagination. The research is clear, but it’s never dry. What you feel instead is reverence for art, for craftsmanship, for those who dared to experiment before there were manuals or safety nets. The friendship-mentorship between Brady and Tim reminded me of relationships in my own life: stern guidance mixed with deep, unspoken respect. Every time Tim learned something new about light or time, I felt that same spark of wonder. By the end, I wasn’t just reading about photography I was seeing how passion and persistence shape who we become. A stunning, soulful work.

[Sandra Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheridan has written a story that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. What I loved most is how he balances the big historical picture the bustling, gritty streets of 1850s New York with the intimate emotions of one boy trying to find his place. Tim’s apprenticeship is full of mistakes, lessons, and tiny triumphs that add up to something truly moving. There’s a tenderness in how Sheridan writes about discovery not the grand eureka kind, but the slow, patient revelations that come from paying attention. Every paragraph glows with love for light itself. I came away not only knowing more about early photography, but also feeling more connected to the universal experience of growing up and learning to see the world clearly for the first time.

[Friedrich claus · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are novels that inform, and then there are novels that illuminate. Tim belongs to the second kind. Sheridan doesn’t just show us the dawn of photography he shows us what it means to chase light when the world around you is still learning to see it. Through young Tim’s eyes, the dusty streets of 1850s New York become a stage for invention and self-discovery. The relationship between Brady and Tim fascinated me; it’s part mentorship, part quiet battle between old vision and new possibility. Sheridan’s writing is patient and rhythmic each scene unfolds like an exposure coming to life. By the end, I felt I understood something about courage, not just art: the courage to look closely, to hold on to what others overlook, and to make something lasting out of it.

[joel Austine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this book to move me the way it did. On the surface, it’s about a young apprentice in 1850s New York but underneath, it’s about purpose, patience, and finding beauty in imperfection. Sheridan’s prose feels almost musical; it hums with emotion and memory. There’s a line where Brady tells Tim, “Every picture is a prayer against forgetting,” and that line stayed with me long after I finished reading. It reminded me of my own family photographs, the ones fading at the corners but still full of life. Tim made me realize that stories like images can preserve what time tries to erase. This is more than historical fiction; it’s a piece of art, tenderly developed and beautifully framed.

[Regina Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something enchanting about reading a book that feels painted rather than written. Tim is that kind of story. Every scene glows with light and shadow, like one of the daguerreotypes Sheridan describes. I could practically see the silver plates reflecting the city’s fog and faces. What stood out most to me was the tenderness with which Sheridan writes about mentorship and creativity. Brady is both genius and tyrant a man obsessed with capturing immortality. And Tim? He’s the perfect lens through which we see the world’s transformation. Beautifully told, meticulously detailed, and full of heart. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.

[Roselia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminded me why I love creative people they see the world differently. Sheridan’s writing has that same visionary quality. You can feel his reverence for art, his empathy for Tim, and his fascination with how new technology changes us. It’s rare to find a book that feels both historical and modern in spirit. Tim is about invention, yes, but also about courage the courage to imagine a world that doesn’t exist yet. Reading this felt like standing in front of an old photograph and realizing the people inside it once breathed, dreamed, and fought for beauty. That’s powerful storytelling.

[Brazil · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a moment in this book a quiet exchange between Tim and Brady over a failed plate that broke me in the best way. Sheridan uses that small failure to show us everything about art, mentorship, and the human need to leave something lasting behind. The writing is tactile and sensory; you can feel the heat of the lamps, the sting of chemicals on skin. But more than that, you feel Tim’s longing to understand the magic in front of him. I’ve read many historical novels that describe the past; this one invites you into it. It’s history with heartbeat and breath. Sheridan’s background as a photographer gives the story a rare authenticity, but it’s his empathy that makes it unforgettable.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest I was on the fence about this one. The premise intrigued me, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to read 400+ pages about 19th-century photography. That said, it turned out to be a lot more dynamic than I expected. The setting is gritty, alive with noise and smoke, and Tim’s character arc feels genuine. My main gripe is pacing some scenes linger too long on process or historical explanation. Still, the relationship between Brady and Tim has real depth, and I came away with a newfound appreciation for how hard photography once was. Solid read, just not quite my style.

[Charlotte Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I went in expecting a historical fiction about photography and ended up reading a story about belonging, ambition, and the ache of growing up. Tim’s journey is so real that feeling of being young and tossed into an adult world where everyone already seems to know their place. Brady’s mentorship is tough, sometimes cruel, but it shapes Tim into something more than just an apprentice. The writing is lyrical without being overdone. Sheridan captures emotion the way a photograph captures light with honesty and patience.

[Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful surprise this book turned out to be! Sheridan brings the 1850s photography world to life with such rich detail that I could almost smell the chemicals and hear the clicking of the daguerreotype plates. Young Tim’s curiosity and innocence blend perfectly with Brady’s ambition and genius. The relationship between apprentice and mentor felt genuine and heartfelt. As someone who loves both history and photography, I found this story deeply satisfying educational yet emotional. It’s like stepping into a forgotten era illuminated by the flash of early photography.

[Divine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Willy Wonka meets Gangs of New York” is exactly right. The mix of wonder and grit makes this book so unique. The atmosphere of old New York, the studio scenes, the tension between artistry and commerce all of it rings true. I especially loved how Daniel Sheridan used the language of light and shadow both literally and metaphorically. You can tell he’s a photographer at heart. I finished this book feeling like I’d learned something profound about how we capture the world.

[Ayomi Kun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit, it took me a few chapters to really get into the rhythm of this story. But once Tim starts learning under Mathew Brady, it becomes absolutely fascinating. The behind-the-scenes look at 19th-century photography, the clash between old and new techniques, and Tim’s personal growth just superb. By the end, I didn’t want it to stop. It’s a quiet, thoughtful read, perfect for those who appreciate history told with care.

[Liyana Pearl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book! Sheridan captures not just a slice of history, but the heartbeat of a changing world. Through young Tim’s eyes, we see the wonder, fear, and curiosity of early photography. The relationship between Tim and Brady felt so real a mix of mentorship, tension, and discovery. I learned so much about how photography evolved, but it never felt like a history lesson. It’s storytelling at its best.