Uncover the gripping true story behind the creation of one of the greatest dictionaries in the English language and the eccentric contributors who made it all possible.
Introduction
The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most comprehensive and respected dictionaries in the English language. It was first published in 1884 and has since become an indispensable reference for anyone studying the English language. However, few people know the extraordinary story of how it was created and the eccentric individuals who played a role in its creation.
The Professor and the Madman is a tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary. It tells the story of two men, Professor James Murray and Dr. William Chester Minor, who made significant contributions to the dictionary despite their vastly different backgrounds and experiences.
The Professor
James Murray was a respected professor of philology and a highly skilled linguist. He was a man of great intelligence and had a passion for language. When he was asked to take on the daunting task of editing the Oxford English Dictionary, he saw it as an opportunity to put his skills to the test. Despite the enormity of the task and the limited resources at his disposal, Murray was determined to see the project through to its completion.
The Madman
Dr. William Chester Minor was a retired army surgeon who had served in the American Civil War. He was a brilliant man, but he suffered from severe mental illness and was committed to an insane asylum in England. Despite his confinement, Minor became one of the most prolific contributors to the Oxford English Dictionary, providing thousands of valuable examples of word usage.
The Murder
In February 1872, Minor committed a murder in London, and he was subsequently arrested and tried for the crime. Despite his insanity, he was sentenced to life in prison and was committed to an insane asylum in Broadmoor. Despite his confinement, Minor continued to contribute to the Oxford English Dictionary, and he and Murray formed a friendship that lasted until Minor’s death.
Conclusion:
The Professor and the Madman is a fascinating story that highlights the incredible achievements of two eccentric individuals who made a lasting impact on the English language. James Murray was a respected professor and a master of language, while William Chester Minor was a brilliant mind who was driven mad by his experiences. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, both men came together to contribute to one of the greatest dictionaries in the English language. This story is a testament to the power of language and the human spirit, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves words and the stories behind them.
