Review:
The Professor And The Madman: A Tale Of Murder, Insanity, And The Making Of The Oxford English Dictionary By Simon Winchester
overall review score: 4.5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
score is between 0 and 5
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary is a non-fiction book by Simon Winchester that tells the story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary with a focus on two key figures involved.
Key Features
- Historical account of the Oxford English Dictionary's creation
- Focus on the contributions of Professor James Murray and Dr. W.C. Minor
- Exploration of mental illness and its impact on Minor's involvement
Pros
- Fascinating look at history and lexicography
- Engaging storytelling by Simon Winchester
- Explores themes of collaboration and obsession
Cons
- Some parts may be dense for readers unfamiliar with linguistic concepts
- Can be emotionally heavy due to the focus on mental illness and tragedy