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

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

One-line summary: “The Professor and the Madman” is a captivating non-fiction book that tells the extraordinary story of the collaboration between a brilliant professor and a criminally insane patient, who contributed significantly to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.

The Creation of the Oxford English Dictionary

“The Professor and the Madman” by Simon Winchester explores the fascinating history behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), one of the most comprehensive and influential dictionaries in the English language. The book delves into the unlikely collaboration between two men, Professor James Murray and Dr. William Chester Minor, whose lives intersected in a remarkable way.

In the late 19th century, Professor James Murray embarked on the ambitious task of compiling the OED, a project that would take several decades to complete. As the editor, Murray faced the daunting challenge of collecting and defining every word in the English language. To accomplish this monumental task, he sought the help of volunteers to submit word definitions and quotations from literary works.

The Madman’s Contribution

Dr. William Chester Minor, an American Civil War veteran, became one of Murray’s most prolific contributors. However, what made Minor’s involvement in the project truly extraordinary was the fact that he was incarcerated in an asylum for the criminally insane. Suffering from severe mental illness, Minor had been committed to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum in England.

Despite his confinement, Minor meticulously researched and submitted thousands of word definitions to Murray. His dedication and erudition greatly impressed the professor, who had no idea about the true circumstances of Minor’s life. Over time, Murray and Minor developed a unique correspondence, with Murray even visiting Minor in the asylum.

The Unveiling of the Madman’s Secret

As the story unfolds, Winchester reveals the shocking truth about Minor’s past. It is revealed that Minor’s mental illness was triggered by the guilt he felt for committing a murder while suffering from paranoid delusions. The revelation of Minor’s crime and his subsequent trial add a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the ethical questions surrounding his involvement in the dictionary project.

Despite the darkness that surrounds Minor’s past, the book also explores the redemptive power of language and the transformative nature of intellectual pursuits. Through his work on the OED, Minor found solace and purpose, proving that even in the depths of madness, the human mind can still contribute to society in profound ways.

Key Takeaways:

The creation of the Oxford English Dictionary was a monumental task that required the collaboration of numerous individuals.
Dr. William Chester Minor, a criminally insane patient, played a significant role in contributing to the dictionary despite his confinement in an asylum.
The story highlights the power of language and the redemptive nature of intellectual pursuits.
It raises ethical questions about the use of contributions from individuals who have committed heinous crimes.
The book offers a captivating blend of history, psychology, and linguistics, making it a compelling read for those interested in language and human stories.

“The Professor and the Madman” showcases the extraordinary collaboration between a brilliant professor and a criminally insane patient, shedding light on the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the transformative power of language.

In conclusion, “The Professor and the Madman” is a gripping account of the unlikely partnership between Professor James Murray and Dr. William Chester Minor, whose collaboration significantly contributed to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. This book not only provides insight into the fascinating history of the OED but also explores themes of redemption, the power of language, and the complexities of the human mind.