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

By Simon Winchester

A Riveting Tale of Madness, Genius, and the Greatest Dictionary Ever Created

A New York Times Notable Book & National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist

The fascinating true story behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary—one of the most ambitious literary projects in history.

Overview

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) began in 1857, took seventy years to complete, and ultimately organized the English language into 414,825 precise definitions. But behind this monumental achievement lies an extraordinary and little-known story—one of genius, madness, and an unlikely friendship that helped shape modern linguistics.

The Professor and the Madman is an enthralling historical narrative that unveils the two remarkable men at the heart of this endeavor:

• Professor James Murray: The brilliant but humble editor of the OED, a former schoolmaster and bank clerk whose passion for language guided the project.
• Dr. William Chester Minor: An American Civil War veteran and prolific contributor to the dictionary—who also happened to be a convicted murderer, locked away in England’s infamous Broadmoor Asylum.

The Untold Story

For two decades, Minor contributed thousands of quotations to the OED from his home in Crowthorne, England. Despite frequent invitations from Murray to visit Oxford, Minor refused. Finally, in 1896, after contributing nearly 10,000 entries, Murray set out to meet him—only to discover that his trusted collaborator was an inmate in a high-security asylum.

This meticulously researched book unravels their improbable relationship, weaving together elements of true crime, historical drama, and linguistic history.

Why Read The Professor and the Madman?

• A Gripping True Story: Murder, mental illness, and intellectual brilliance converge in this real-life mystery.
• Historical Insight: A deep dive into the evolution of the English language and the making of the OED.
• Masterful Storytelling: Simon Winchester’s signature style makes history as engaging as fiction.
• Packed with Intrigue: A compelling blend of biography, literary history, and true crime.

Praise for The Professor and the Madman

"A fascinating linguistic detective story... brilliantly told." - William Safire, New York Times Magazine

"An utterly compelling read, full of suspense and surprises." - The Washington Post

"A narrative as compelling as any thriller." - Los Angeles Times

Final Thoughts

The Professor and the Madman is an unforgettable literary journey that reveals the hidden drama behind one of history’s greatest reference works. Whether you love history, true crime, or language studies, this book is a must-read.

Unravel the mystery behind the Oxford English Dictionary—one word at a time.

Book Details

• Format: Paperback / Hardcover
• ISBN: 9780060839789
• Page Count: 242 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Bonus Content: This P.S. Edition includes 16 extra pages featuring author interviews, recommended reading, and more.