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

Name: The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary
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4.3 of 5 Stars: Historical - The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

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Book Synopsis: 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.

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Step into a world of madness, genius, and literary history with "The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary". This extraordinary book, hailed as a New York Times Notable Book, unveils the fascinating story of two remarkable men whose obsessions led to the creation of one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken - the Oxford English Dictionary.

Discover the astonishing journey of Professor James Murray and Dr. W. C. Minor as they embark on the daunting task of compiling the OED. As definitions poured in, the committee overseeing the project was astounded to find that one man, Dr. Minor, had contributed over ten thousand entries. Little did they know, however, that the true story behind this prolific contributor was far more shocking.

Uncover the dark truths behind Dr. Minor's seemingly ordinary life. An American Civil War veteran, Dr. Minor was not just a literary enthusiast, but also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane. The revelation of his circumstances sends shockwaves through the committee, forever altering the course of their project and revealing the intricate web of connections between madness, genius, and the power of language.

Immerse yourself in this meticulously researched and eloquently written narrative. Experience the linguistic detective story of the decade that has captivated readers and critics alike. As William Safire of the New York Times Magazine declares, "The Professor and the Madman" is an intellectual adventure that will leave you breathless.

Don't miss out on this special P.S. edition, featuring an additional 16 pages of exclusive insights. Delve deeper into the author's perspective with interviews and recommended reading, gaining a richer understanding of this captivating tale. Explore the hidden secrets of history and language, and be inspired by the unyielding determination of two extraordinary men.

Uncover the astonishing story today and immerse yourself in the world of "The Professor and the Madman".

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