The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary
Who Would Like This Book:
Dive into a wildly intriguing true story about how the Oxford English Dictionary was built - thanks in part to a killer genius locked away in an asylum! Simon Winchester’s blend of history, biography, and detective narrative uncovers the extraordinary collaboration between Professor James Murray (the dictionary’s editor) and Dr. William Minor, who was as brilliant as he was troubled. If you love etymology, history, quirky facts, or the sort of real-life tales stranger than fiction, this book will have you hooked. Word nerds, trivia lovers, and fans of stories about odd friendships and obsessive quests will find plenty to enjoy here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the book overly dramatized, a bit meandering, or padded with tangents and speculation. If you’re hoping for a fast-paced thriller or a sharply focused account, the slower, sometimes repetitive narrative may test your patience. Also, those looking for rigorous historical documentation may be frustrated by the lack of footnotes, clear sourcing, or what some felt was excessive conjecture. If speculative or non-linear storytelling isn’t your thing, this might not be your cup of tea.
About:
'The Professor and the Madman' by Simon Winchester is a nonfiction account that delves into the fascinating story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and the unlikely partnership between Dr. James Murray, the editor of the OED, and Dr. W.C. Minor, an American inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane. The book explores the intricate process of compiling the dictionary, highlighting the contributions made by Minor despite his tragic past and mental health struggles. Winchester weaves together the stories of these two men, providing insights into the challenges faced during the seventy-year editorial challenge of producing the OED, all while offering a glimpse into the Victorian era and the world of lexicography.
The narrative of 'The Professor and the Madman' unfolds as a captivating tale of friendship, dedication, and the complexities of the English language. Winchester's writing style draws readers into the world of dictionaries and wordsmiths, offering a blend of historical accounts, personal stories, and scholarly insights. Through the lens of Murray and Minor's collaboration, the book sheds light on the meticulous efforts that went into creating the OED, showcasing the impact of their work on shaping the English language and the dictionary itself.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include discussions of mental illness, violence (murder), and historical treatment of the insane.
From The Publisher:
A New York Times Notable Book
The Professor and the Madman is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary-and literary history.
The making of the OED was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, was stunned to discover that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. But their surprise would pale in comparison to what they were about to discover when the committee insisted on honoring him. For Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.
Masterfully researched and eloquently written, The Professor and the Madman "is the linguistic detective story of the decade." (William Safire, New York Times Magazine)
Ratings (33)
Incredible (6) | |
Loved It (15) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (80):
Read It (37) | |
Want To Read (34) | |
Not Interested (9) |
2 comment(s)
2.5 stars. The story itself is interesting and unexpected - about how a man suffering with schizophrenia ends up as a major contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary. However, the book itself is lengthy and drawn out, and felt painfully slow at times.
truth is stranger than fiction
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The Professor and the Madman?
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