Books Like...
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.
If you liked The Surgeon of Crowthorne: a tale of murder, madness & the love of words, here are the top 59 books to read next:
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Save:'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.
1. The most heinous kind of criminal homicide; also, an instance of this. In English (also Sc. and U.S.) Law, defined as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought; often more expl... 'October: The Story of the Russian Revolution' by China Mieville is a detailed and engaging account of the events leading up to the October Revolution in Russia. Mieville's writing style, described as both novelistic and historically accurate, captures the tumultuous year of 1917 with a focus on the intra-Bolshevik and intra-left factionalism that shaped the outcome. The book delves into the complexities of the revolution, highlighting the pivotal moments when the Bolsheviks gained power amidst a chaotic political landscape.
Russia, a confluence of European and easterly Slavic traditions, is long gestated among debris. According to a key protagonist of 1917, Leon Trotsky, it is thrown up by ‘the western barbarians settled..."Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia" by Marya Hornbacher is a raw and brutally honest account of the author's struggles with anorexia and bulimia from a young age. Through vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling, Hornbacher takes the reader on a journey through her battles with disordered eating, hospitalizations, and attempts at recovery. The book delves deep into the day-to-day life of an individual living with an eating disorder, shedding light on the harsh realities and emotional turmoil that accompany such illnesses.
Hornbacher's writing style alternates between creative, poetic language and stark, factual accounts, effectively demystifying the romanticized notions of thinness and beauty. The memoir serves as a powerful exploration of the author's inner struggles, self-hatred, and the constant battle for a normal, healthy life. It offers a candid portrayal of the author's ongoing fight with her demons and the lasting impact of her eating disorders, making it a compelling and eye-opening read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of these illnesses.
It was that simple: One minute I was your average nine-year-old, shorts and a T-shirt and long brown braids, sitting in the yellow kitchen, watching Brady Bunch reruns, munching on a bag of Fritos, sc...- #4
Save:In the memoir "Everything Is Fine" by Vince Granata, the author recounts the tragic event of his mentally ill brother murdering their mother. Through a poignant and touching narrative, Granata delves into the complexities of family dynamics, mental health struggles, and the aftermath of a senseless tragedy. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of the impact of psychosis on individuals and families, while also exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of unimaginable pain.
Granata's writing style is described as personal, emotional, and deeply engaging, drawing readers into the heart-wrenching journey of his family as they navigate through grief, confusion, and the challenges of coping with mental illness. The author's ability to blend investigative journalism with memories creates a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the failings of the mental health system and the strength it takes to confront trauma and find healing.
I avoided the details of my mother’s last day until more than a year after her death. Though I had wrapped myself in fantasies about how I could have prevented tragedy, how I could have intervened if ... - #5
Save:'The Center Cannot Hold' by Elyn R. Saks is a memoir that delves into the author's journey of living with schizophrenia while achieving remarkable academic and professional success. Saks recounts her experiences of battling wild hallucinations, debilitating paranoia, and violent psychotic breaks, while also highlighting the stigmatism associated with mental illness. Through her narrative, she sheds light on various treatments, the challenges she faced, and the misconceptions surrounding mental illness. The writing style is unflinchingly honest, inspiring, and offers a moving and disturbing look at the life of the mind when plagued by psychosis.
WHEN I WAS a little girl, I woke up almost every morning to a sunny day, a wide clear sky, and the blue green waves of the Atlantic Ocean nearby. This was Miami in the fifties and the early sixties—be... - #6
Save:The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt is a non-fiction book that delves into the mysterious fire that destroyed the historic Fenice opera house in Venice. Through a mix of travelogue, history, mystery, and character studies, Berendt uncovers a world of eccentric Venetians, hidden secrets, and interpersonal rivalries. The book follows the author's inquiry into the fire, using first-hand accounts from witnesses and natives of Venice to paint a vivid picture of the city's underbelly and the rich Venetian history overshadowed by the tragic event.
THE AIR STILL SMELLED OF CHARCOAL when I arrived in Venice three days after the fire. As it happened, the timing of my visit was purely coincidental. I had made plans, months before, to come to Venice... - #7
Save:'Ten Days in a Mad-House' by Nellie Bly is a true story about a female reporter who fakes her mental illness to be committed to an asylum in order to denounce the mistreatment inside. The book, published in 1887, details her undercover journey in a New York insane asylum, shedding light on the abuse and neglect happening there. Nellie Bly's investigative journalism skills are showcased as she infiltrates the asylum and exposes the harsh realities faced by the patients, ultimately leading to significant changes in the treatment of mental patients.
The narrative style of 'Ten Days in a Mad-House' is gripping and impactful, as it recounts Nellie Bly's experiences in the asylum with a mix of horror and fascination. The book not only serves as a historical document but also highlights the courage and determination of Bly as she risks her own well-being to bring attention to the plight of those suffering within the asylum walls.
ON THE 22ND OF SEPTEMBER I was asked by the World if I could have myself committed to one of the asylums for the insane in New York, with a view to writing a plain and unvarnished narrative of the tre... - #8
Save:Kimberly Rae Miller's memoir 'Coming Clean' delves into her tumultuous childhood as the only child of hoarders. The book vividly portrays the chaotic and squalid living conditions she endured, where her father's hoarding tendencies and her mother's depression created a challenging environment. Despite the filth and dysfunction, Miller navigates her upbringing with a blend of honesty, compassion, and resilience. The narrative explores her struggles to conceal her home life from others, her coping mechanisms, and the deep-seated love she holds for her flawed parents. Through poignant storytelling, Miller sheds light on the complexities of living with hoarding disorder and the lasting impact it has on familial relationships.
HE HAD ONE PLASTIC BAG tied to another tied to a torn knapsack and rested it all on his shoulders. This man was mesmerizing. This man was homeless. I had never thought about homeless people before, bu... 'Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life' by Lulu Miller is a unique blend of a brief biography of David Starr Jordan, intertwined with the author's personal memoir and philosophical musings. The narrative delves into the life of Jordan, an ichthyologist and eugenicist, while also exploring the author's journey of seeking inspiration and understanding from Jordan's life. Through poetic language and conversational snark, the book reveals surprising discoveries about Jordan, fish, eugenics, and philosophy, offering a delightful and insightful reading experience.
David Jordan was born on an apple orchard in upstate New York in 1851 at the darkest time of the year, which is perhaps why he became so preoccupied with the stars. “While husking corn on autumn eveni...'The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History' by John M. Barry delves into the 1918 Influenza pandemic, providing a detailed account of the outbreak, its impact, and the societal responses. The author skillfully weaves together historical facts, scientific insights, and personal narratives, offering a comprehensive look at the devastating effects of the virus. Barry's writing style is described as dense with facts, backed up by an extensive bibliography and footnotes section, creating a narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. not only covers the medical aspects of the pandemic but also explores the societal breakdown, consequences of poor policy decisions, and the challenges faced by scientists and researchers during that time.
ON SEPTEMBER 12, 1876, the crowd overflowing the auditorium of Baltimore's Academy of Music was in a mood of hopeful excitement, but excitement without frivolity. Indeed, despite an unusual number of ...
