"The Professor and the Madman" by Simon Winchester is a fascinating and captivating book that tells the story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. The book focuses on the relationship between the editor of the dictionary, James Murray, and one of the most prolific contributors to the dictionary, Dr. W.C. Minor, who was a convicted murderer and inmate at a mental asylum.
Winchester does an excellent job of weaving together the historical context of the creation of the dictionary with the personal stories of Murray and Minor. The book is well-researched and provides a detailed account of the challenges and triumphs that Murray faced in compiling the dictionary, as well as the tragic life story of Minor.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the exploration of the power of language and the importance of words in our lives. Winchester delves into the history of the English language and the role that the dictionary played in shaping our understanding of it.
Overall, "The Professor and the Madman" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that sheds light on a little-known chapter of history. It is a testament to the power of words and the human spirit, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in language, history, or psychology.