The Surgeon of Crowthorne: a tale of murder, madness & the love of words

Simon Winchester

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madness and collaboration

victorian england

oxford english dictionary creation

biography and narrative history

dedication and triumphs

broadmoor asylum

intellectual pursuit

poignant tale of tragedy and loss

dedicated scholar vs. mentally troubled contributor

narrative engagement and historical depth

intertwined lives

language and linguistic achievement

contrasting backgrounds

influenced pacing

The Surgeon of Crowthorne is a captivating narrative that delves into the history of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) through the intertwined lives of two remarkable men, James Murray and William Minor. The book sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced during the dictionary's creation, highlighting the dedication, madness, and monomania that characterized the project. Winchester's writing style immerses readers in a world of intellectual pursuit, madness, and collaboration, painting a vivid picture of Victorian England and the academic adventure that led to the birth of one of the greatest works in the English language.

The central intrigue of the book lies in Minor's story, a surgeon residing in Crowthorne who played a significant role in the OED's development despite being committed to a secure hospital for the criminally insane. The narrative weaves together the histories of the OED and its key contributors, offering a poignant tale of tragedy, loss, and human connection amidst the creation of a monumental linguistic achievement. Winchester's storytelling skillfully combines biography and narrative history, providing a compelling account of the enduring impact of the OED and the unlikely collaboration that shaped it.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style includes a mix of narrative engagement and historical depth, combining personal stories with broader contexts.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on the collaboration between two men, one an esteemed scholar and the other a man struggling with madness, as they contribute to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Setting:

The setting is primarily Victorian England, focusing on the creation of the OED and including significant locations like Broadmoor asylum.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates between slow, reflective sections and narrative-driven passages, with some noted repetition influencing the flow.

murder (’m3ːdə(r)), sb. Forms: α. 1 morþor, -ur, 3–4 morþre, 3–4,6 murthre, 4 myrþer, 4–6 murthir, morther, 5 Sc. murthour, murthyr, 5–6 murthur, 6 mwrther, Sc. morthour, 4–9 (now dial. and Hist. or a...

Genres:

nonfiction

biography

history

Topics:

the oxford english dictionary

mental illness

victorian england

language development

biographical accounts

bromance

man vs. madness

underdog story

Notes:

Simon Winchester wrote three books on the development of the Oxford Dictionary.

The book explores the erratic spelling and changing meanings of words before dictionaries existed.

It tells the story of an American doctor who contributed to the Oxford English Dictionary while institutionalized for mental health issues.

The book highlights the collaboration between Scottish scholar James Murray and American volunteer William Minor, who never met for a decade despite living close to each other.

Minor was a Union Army surgeon during the Civil War and ended up in an asylum in England after a tragic incident.

Winchester's writing style is compared to Paul Harvey, engaging readers with the history and personal stories of the characters.

The book illustrates the challenges of creating dictionaries during the Victorian era, a time of great British confidence and competition in Europe.

Readers find the story to be a mix of tragedy, genius, and the love of words, making it a compelling narrative about the OED.

Winchester's passion for words and precise definitions shines through in his writing.

The book is based on real events, making the story more remarkable than mere fiction.

It discusses two protagonists from very different backgrounds contributing towards the same goal: the Oxford English Dictionary.

The book emphasizes the long, arduous journey of the OED's creation, which spanned over 70 years, highlighting the individuals behind it.

Many readers appreciate the unique and captivating nature of the story, finding it enlightening and enjoyable.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains content related to mental illness, violence (due to Minor's crime), and themes of tragedy and loss.

From The Publisher:

"An extraordinary tale." Great book, with true characters who seem fictional, indeed. Two men correspond for 20 years. They were, in fact, writing what was to become The Oxford English Dictionary.

Finally, the one researcher decides to visit his co-correspondent. Upon reaching his destination, he is told "Dr. Minor is most certainly here. He is an inmate at the asylum. He has been a patient here for more than 20 years." Fascinating title.

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