The professor and the madman a tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English dictionary
by Winchester, Simon.
Kindle Book 2009 2009 |
Adobe EPUB ebook |
OverDrive Read |
Unavailable
0 of 3 copies 6 people on waitlist |
Summary
A New York Times Notable Book The Professor and the Madman is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary—and literary history.The making of the OED was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, was stunned to discover that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. But their surprise would pale in comparison to what they were about to discover when the committee insisted on honoring him. For Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.Masterfully researched and eloquently written, The Professor and the Madman "is the linguistic detective story of the decade." (William Safire, New York Times Magazine)This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.Contents
1. The dead of night in Lambeth Marsh2. The man who taught Latin to cattle
3. The madness of war
4. Gathering Earth's daughters
5. The big dictionary conceived
6. The scholar in cell block two
7. Entering the lists
8. Annulated, art, brick-tea, buckwheat
9. The meeting of minds
10. The unkindest cut
11. Then only the monuments.
Published Reviews
Booklist Review: "Publisher's Weekly Review: "
Additional Information
Subjects |
Murray, James A. H. (James Augustus Henry), 1837-1915
Minor, William Chester Oxford English dictionary New English dictionary on historical principles English language Lexicography History 19th century Lexicographers Great Britain Biography Psychiatric hospital patients Great Britain Biography English language Etymology Biography & Autobiography Nonfiction History United States History Civil War, 1861-1865 Veterans Biography. Electronic books. 1837-1915. 19th century. Civil War, 1861-1865 |
Publisher | New York :HarperCollins e-books2009 2009 |
Contributors |
OverDrive, Inc.
|
Language |
English |
System Details |
Mode of access: World Wide Web. Format: OverDrive READ Format: Kindle Book Format: Adobe EPUB eBook Requires Amazon Kindle or Adobe Digital Editions |
Description |
1 online resource |
Bibliography Notes |
Includes bibliographical references (pages [239]-242). |
ISBN | 9780061807602 9780061807602 |
Other | Classic View |