Author Chris Flanders has crafted a historical novel that feels like a modern rags-to-riches tale. The Image Maker: Three Men Follow Their Dreams in the Pennsylvania Oil Fields. The book explores the lives of three men who played key roles in the western Pennsylvania oil boom during the Industrial Revolution. Flanders' passion for this era drove her to explore the lives of John Mather, Charles Miller, and Patrick Boyle, whose stories and accomplishments provide the novel’s rich historical detail and accuracy.
Factual details of real-world events are meticulously supported through interviews with descendants of the three men involved, as well as an array of documents, personal letters, photographs, and published records provided by museum curators. Flanders introduces readers to John Mather in 1861, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, as he embarks on the challenging task of photographing the earliest attempts to drill for oil. Mather's unwavering determination is brought into sharp focus as he braves extreme conditions to capture these historic moments. Using a chemically coated glass plate that required precise exposure to light, he worked quickly and tirelessly, rushing the fragile plates in complete darkness to his floating darkroom to develop and print the photographs. This painstaking process stands in stark contrast to the ease of modern cell phone photography, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into the immense challenges early photographers like Mather faced. His bravery and relentless efforts not only preserved the beginnings of the oil industry but also highlight the backdrop of a nation on the brink of Civil War, adding a layer of urgency and complexity to his work.
Charles Miller, a self-educated clerk with limited opportunities, is drawn to enlist in the army with the hope of "seeing the world" and escaping the monotony of his routine life. Through his time in the military, his duties not only strengthen his resolve but also broaden his horizons, exposing him to experiences and perspectives he would never have encountered otherwise. During this time, he hears about the booming oil industry, a world filled with the promise of untold riches. After earning a non-commissioned rank, he decides to leave the army and join the masses flocking to the oil fields, driven by the dream of striking it rich.
Miller’s rapid ascent to wealth comes through tireless efforts to learn the complexities of the oil industry and by forging strategic relationships with other influential oil men. His persistence and ability to navigate the competitive and volatile world of oil lead him to incredible wealth and power in a remarkably short time. However, this relentless pursuit of success comes at a cost. His home life begins to reflect some of the inevitable casualties of a "get rich quick" mentality, with personal relationships strained under the weight of his ambition and single-minded focus on financial success.
A natural storyteller, Patrick Boyle, who also served as a young recruit during the Civil War, began his career as a roustabout in the oil fields. While working in this tough and unpredictable environment, he documented his experiences and observations in his journal, capturing the challenges and dynamics of the industry. His determination, combined with his firsthand knowledge of the oil field, eventually led him to a career in journalism. He rose to become the editor and later the owner of several newspapers dedicated to oil production, using his platform to share insights and stories about the booming industry.
Life in the late 19th century was defined by stark contrasts—periods of rapid growth and devastating busts, moments of exploration and innovation followed by destruction and rebuilding. Small, quiet villages could transform overnight into bustling hubs of activity, only to face disasters that demanded resilience and recovery. Patrick Boyle’s work reflected these experiences, offering a window into the volatile yet fascinating world of oil production during this era of change.
Through the coming-of-age journeys of three men bound by courage, self-education, and determination, the narrative captures a pivotal era with intimacy and depth. With Flanders' exceptional writing, the story of Drake's Well, Oil Creek, and the Titusville area in rural western Pennsylvania offers readers—whether historians or fans of historical fiction—a vivid look at the birth and growth of the Industrial Revolution.
Reviewed by: Carol
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