The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary
by Simon Winchester
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester holds a well received rating of 3.84 out of 5, based on 71.4K reader ratings. First published in 1998. The book spans 242 pages.
About The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary
The Professor and the Madman, masterfully researched and eloquently written, 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 compilation of the OED, begun in 1857, was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Simon Winchester |
| Published | 1998 |
| Pages | 242 |
| Kindle Price | $14.99 |
| Genres | Non-Fiction, History, Biography & Memoir |
| Average Rating | 3.84 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 71,411 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary?
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary is categorized as Non-Fiction, History, Biography & Memoir. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary worth reading?
Based on 71.4K reader ratings, The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary has an average score of 3.84 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary?
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary has 242 pages.
Who wrote The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary?
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary was written by Simon Winchester. It was first published in 1998.
What is the ISBN for The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary?
The ISBN-13 for The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary is 9780060839790.0.
How much does The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary cost on Kindle?
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary is available on Kindle for $14.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
