Read The Professor and the Madman by Winchester eBook Review

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The Unlikely Partnership That Shaped the Oxford English Dictionary

In The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary, Simon Winchester weaves a captivating narrative around the creation of one of the most monumental works in literary history—the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). At the heart of this story lies an unlikely friendship between two men from vastly different backgrounds: James Murray, the primary editor of the OED, and William Chester Minor, a former U.S. Army surgeon who became the dictionary’s most prolific contributor while confined in an asylum for the criminally insane. Winchester’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the complexities of this partnership and its impact on the making of the OED.

Summary

The book opens with the conception of the OED project in 1857, when the Philological Society of London set out to create a comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Despite the ambitious goal, progress was slow until James Murray, a self-taught linguist and philologist, was appointed as the primary editor in 1879. Murray’s tireless efforts to gather contributions from volunteers across the English-speaking world proved crucial to the dictionary’s advancement.

Meanwhile, in Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, William Chester Minor, a former U.S. Army surgeon, was confined after murdering a man in London in 1872. Despite his mental illness, Minor possessed a keen intellect and an insatiable appetite for learning. He stumbled upon one of Murray’s calls for volunteers and began sending in hundreds of entries, complete with quotations and examples, to the OED.

Winchester delves into the backgrounds of both men, highlighting their similarities and differences. Murray, born in Scotland, overcame financial hardships to become a respected scholar, while Minor, born in Sri Lanka to American missionaries, descended into madness after serving in the Civil War. Their unlikely partnership developed through correspondence and occasional visits, as Murray recognized the value of Minor’s contributions.

The narrative follows the progress of the OED, which faced numerous challenges, including funding issues and disagreements among the editors. Minor’s contributions, however, proved invaluable, salvaging the project at critical moments. Winchester also explores the personal lives of both men, revealing the sacrifices they made for their work.

As the OED neared completion in the early 20th century, the truth about Minor’s identity and mental state became known. Despite the controversy, Murray remained loyal to his friend and collaborator. The book culminates with the publication of the OED’s final volume in 1928, a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those who made it possible.

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Main Characters

James Murray: The primary editor of the OED, known for his tireless efforts to gather contributions and his unwavering commitment to the project.
William Chester Minor: A former U.S. Army surgeon confined in Broadmoor Asylum who became the OED’s most prolific contributor, despite his mental illness.
Herbert Coleridge and Frederick Furnivall: The OED’s first two editors, who laid the groundwork for the project.
George Merrett: The man Minor murdered in London in 1872, whose death led to Minor’s incarceration.

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Key Events and Plots

The Conception of the OED: The Philological Society of London sets out to create a comprehensive dictionary of the English language in 1857.
James Murray’s Appointment: Murray is appointed as the primary editor of the OED in 1879, bringing renewed energy and organization to the project.
William Minor’s Contribution: Minor begins sending in hundreds of entries to the OED from his cell in Broadmoor Asylum, becoming the dictionary’s most prolific contributor.
The Unlikely Partnership: Murray and Minor develop a friendship through correspondence and occasional visits, despite their vastly different backgrounds and circumstances.
The OED’s Challenges: The project faces numerous challenges, including funding issues and disagreements among the editors, which Minor’s contributions help overcome.
The Truth Revealed: As the OED nears completion, the truth about Minor’s identity and mental state becomes known, leading to controversy but not diminishing his contributions.
The OED’s Completion: The OED is finally completed in 1928, a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those who made it possible, including Murray and Minor.

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Suspense

Winchester builds suspense throughout the narrative by highlighting the challenges faced by the OED project and the personal struggles of its contributors. Readers are kept on edge as they wonder whether the dictionary will ever be completed, given the numerous obstacles in its path. The author also creates tension around the relationship between Murray and Minor, as their unlikely partnership is tested by the revelation of Minor’s past and mental state.

The book’s opening, which describes Minor’s murder of George Merrett, sets the stage for the suspense that follows. Readers are left wondering how this act of violence will shape the rest of the story and its connection to the creation of the OED. Winchester also skillfully interweaves the personal lives of his characters, adding an emotional dimension to the narrative and heightening the suspense surrounding their choices and sacrifices.

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Conclusion

The Professor and the Madman is more than just a story about the making of the Oxford English Dictionary; it is a testament to the power of language, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected connections that can arise from even the most unlikely circumstances. Winchester’s vivid storytelling and meticulous research bring to life the complexities of the OED project and the individuals who dedicated their lives to its completion.

The book’s central themes, such as the nature of genius and madness, the pursuit of knowledge, and the redemptive power of language, resonate long after the final page. Winchester’s portrayal of Murray and Minor as flawed but brilliant men who overcame adversity to make significant contributions to the world of scholarship serves as an inspiration to readers.

In conclusion, The Professor and the Madman is a captivating exploration of the intersection of history, language, and the human experience. Winchester’s ability to weave together the stories of two men from vastly different backgrounds and their shared passion for the English language makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in the power of words and the extraordinary achievements that can arise from unexpected partnerships.