The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

by Simon Winchester
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 6681
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-27
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-12-12
fascinating 4.50

The book is a fascinating tale of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting the contributions of Dr. W. C. Minor, an inmate at an asylum, and Professor James Murray. The story is well-researched and eloquently written, offering insights into the obsessions and genius of the two men involved.

The Professor and the Madman is a captivating exploration of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary. The book delves into the extraordinary lives of Professor James Murray and Dr. W. C. Minor, whose contributions were pivotal in the dictionary's creation. Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran and inmate at an asylum, submitted over ten thousand definitions, revealing a shocking truth about his condition. The narrative is masterfully researched and eloquently written, providing a deep understanding of the obsessive dedication required for such a monumental project. The story also sheds light on the historical context and the personal struggles of the individuals involved, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in history, language, and the human condition.

Quick quotes

    for each word, there should be sentences that show the twists and turns of meanings — the way almost every word slips in its silvery, fishlike way, weaving this way and that, adding subtleties of nuance to itself, and then perhaps shedding them as public mood dictates.

    Herbert Coleridge whose brilliant life was too short.

    I was driving into work the other day thinking about Herbert Coleridge and realized that I might possibly be the only person on the planet driving to work thinking about Herbie.

muse.jhu.edu · Unknown · 2025-12-12
engaging 4.00

The book tells the fascinating story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing on the lives of James Murray and Dr. William C. Minor. The reviewer appreciates the detailed accounts of the dictionary's making but finds some of Winchester's speculative scenarios distracting.

The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester is a compelling narrative about the making of the Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting the lives of James Murray and Dr. William C. Minor. Murray, a dedicated lexicographer, and Minor, a troubled Civil War veteran, formed an unlikely friendship through their contributions to the dictionary. The reviewer enjoys the intricate details of the dictionary's creation and the parallel lives of these two men. However, they find Winchester's tendency to speculate on certain events, particularly those involving Minor, to be a detraction from the otherwise engaging story. The book's strength lies in its vivid portrayal of the OED's development and the complex personalities involved.

Quick quotes

    The logistics of recording quotations that scholars such as Minor sent in are mind-boggling.

    Winchester so evidently enjoys describing this part of the project (which involved several employees and subeditors as well as a drafty shed and numerous shelves and pigeonholes) that the reader is swept up in a joyful contemplation of the trivia of the OED's making.

    These forays into sensationalist fantasy detract from a story that is otherwise memorable.

pagesofjulia.com · Unknown · 2021-03-17
enjoyable 3.50

The Professor and the Madman is a compelling blend of history and drama, focusing on the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the unusual contributions of Dr. William Chester Minor. The book is both an engaging narrative and a detailed account of lexicography, though it occasionally veers into melodrama and includes some questionable editorial choices.

Simon Winchester's The Professor and the Madman is a fascinating exploration of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary, intertwined with the tragic story of Dr. William Chester Minor. The book is a fine example of creative nonfiction, blending historical detail with a novelist's flair for drama. The narrative is rich with lexicographic insights and the personal stories of those involved in the dictionary's creation, particularly Minor, whose contributions were monumental despite his troubled past. The book is not without its flaws, including some editorial choices that feel unnecessary and a tendency towards melodrama. However, it remains an engaging and enjoyable read, especially for those interested in the history of language and dramatic historical narratives. The book's structure, with chapters opening with dictionary definitions, adds an educational layer that enhances the reading experience. Overall, it's a compelling tale that combines erudition with entertainment, making it a great choice for both word enthusiasts and fans of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    The Professor and the Madman is a fine example of creative nonfiction writing of the less-personal kind: not memoir, but history; but history told with a novelist’s eye.

    Winchester offers that Minor’s life was saved, in a sense, when he came across an advertisement from Murray, seeking volunteers to read… well, everything, and search out the quotations needed to write what would become the Oxford English Dictionary.

    Not perfect, no, but enormous fun.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 1998-09-28
fascinating 4.50

The Professor and the Madman is a fascinating tale of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting the contributions of Dr. W. C. Minor, an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane. The book is praised for its masterful research and eloquent writing, offering an extraordinary look into the minds of two remarkable men.

The Professor and the Madman is a captivating exploration of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing on the unlikely partnership between Professor James Murray and Dr. W. C. Minor. The book delves into the intricate process of compiling the dictionary, revealing the immense contributions made by Minor, who submitted over ten thousand definitions despite being an inmate at an asylum. The narrative is rich with historical detail and personal anecdotes, providing a unique perspective on the dedication and obsession that drove these two men. The story is not just about the dictionary but also about the complex relationship between Murray and Minor, their shared passion for language, and the tragic circumstances that shaped Minor's life. The book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of their work on the English language.

Quick quotes

    for each word, there should be sentences that show the twists and turns of meanings — the way almost every word slips in its silvery, fishlike way, weaving this way and that, adding subtleties of nuance to itself, and then perhaps shedding them as public mood dictates.

    Herbert Coleridge whose brilliant life was too short.

    I was driving into work the other day thinking about Herbert Coleridge and realized that I might possibly be the only person on the planet driving to work thinking about Herbie.

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