Your book, The Image Maker, offers a compelling portrait of the Pennsylvania oil boom through the intertwined stories of John Mather, Charles Miller, and Patrick Boyle. By telling the history through these three men and their families, you've created a narrative that feels both personal and expansive, allowing readers to see the rise of the oil industry from several vantage points.

John's dedication to photographing the fields, even with the difficulties of makeshift darkrooms and delicate equipment, brought the history to life. The narrative was enlivened by Patrick's progression from laborer to reporter and scout. At the same time, his position as editor of the Oil City Derrick underscored the value of recording this period of profound transformation. Charles's roles as a soldier, businessman, and community figure showed how ambition, discipline, and personal flaws all intersected in their fast-changing world.

Your portrayal of the swift transition from quiet rural towns to lively, chaotic centers of wealth was fascinating. Within just a few years, small farming communities became filled with hotels, saloons, churches, factories, and brothels. The industry's expansion-barges moving oil down the creek, logging ponds flooding to aid transport, and the arrival of railroads-was described in a way that made the upheaval clear. The growing shadow of Standard Oil, and its ability to force independents into submission, underscored the ruthless side of progress.

I appreciated that the story included themes of greed, betrayal, resilience, and family. By showing both opportunities and devastation, you provided a balanced picture of what this boom meant to those who lived through it.

Thank you for bringing this critical and captivating chapter of American history to life. With gratitude,

Jules Whitcomb for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio