Customer Reviews

The Odyssey of Thomas Condon: Irish Immigrant : Frontier Missionary : Oregon Geologist

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I must confess a slight bias - we all know Thomas Condon as one of our foremost geologists. I, however, was lucky enough to know him as my great grandfather. Well, not know him - he died well before I was born - but I knew of him. Intimately. And now the common reader has the same opportunity! On the whole the book captures my great grandfather perfectly - but there are a few omissions. If the anecdotes my parents' entertained their eleven children with are true, Thomas Condon spent more time with women than involved in women's suffrage; more time in prison than involved in prison reform. But, bygones - on the whole, a job very well done and I recommend this book heartily for those interested in the pacific northwest, geology, reform, and/or irish americans.

As a geology major with a focus on the Pacific Northwest, I couldn't help but come in contact with Thomas Condon in many of the books I was reading for courses. I then decided to learn more about him by reading his biography. I have to say I was stunned to learn the details of his life before he began missionary work! Who knew?! Still, this book does a decent job of documenting the highs and lows of Condon's life as it related to his work as an educator. I was, however, a bit disappointed with its lack of coverage regarding his involvement with women's suffrage - maybe, contrary to public belief, this wasn't one of his major focuses? Overall, it was an enjoyable (if sometimes patchy) read.