The Professor and the Madman

Question

I have just finished reading a book called "The Professor and the Madman: a Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary".

I know that a book about a dictionary may leave many people yawning, but this one is a case of " fact is stranger than fiction".

The book is actually a triple biography...the development of the professor, the madman, and the dictionary itself are given equal time.

It's a good read in English.

Simon Winchester is the author, ISBN 0-06-017596-6

Let me know if you read it; I'm looking forward to discussing it with someone!

I think that I may have recommended this book to Ian and possibly to Renae in the past, but I don't know if either of them ever read it. - Izanoni1, Apr 19, 2010

I can't get it here Iza and my e-book reader stopped working. - ian-hill, Apr 19, 2010

That's a shame, Ian. It really is worth a read. - Izanoni1, Apr 19, 2010

Answer 1

Thanks for the recommendation...this sounds like something I'd like too!

Answer 2

I didn't read the book but there was a multi-part article in the New Yorker magazine a few years back (I assume by the same author) that was fascinating. As a long-time fan of the O.E.D., I found the bizarre elements in its genesis quite surprising.

Answer 3

Yes!!! I read this book about 7 or 8 months ago, and I agree that it was an excellent read. A truly fascinating story. The story behind Dr. Minor is enthralling and the quantity of work (in terms of number of people involved, manner in which the work was performed and time that it took to complete) was stunning.

I have also read his other work regarding the OED in "The Meaning of Everything," and if you enjoyed "The Professor and the Madman" then you might also enjoy this one.

He also has several other books that I am interested in reading but never seem to have enough time to get around to.

Answer 4

I heard it read on the radio. Yes, very interesting. It would never have occurred to me this was the way the dictionary was compiled.