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Description
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 began in... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis
Summary
The story of the 70 year process of compiling for first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary and the relationship between the primary editor, Dr James Murray and the most proflific contributor, the institutionalised and certifiably insane, Dr W.C. Minor.(WTF I bought a cert stated I am... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Cast of Characters
- Dr. Minor, phil & Phillip: professor and the madman: manic, educated but also a tradesman, intellect but also idiot, sophisitcated but also a slob, Annnoyingly/arrogant correcting for precision and accuracy anybody's claims yet rebellious in his own ways (intentionally will "act" stupid, unkempt, disorganized) sometimes an complete asshole, other times an oversensitive wimp, that just might turn around and knock you out even if held at gunpoint. a co-worker in the lab said "annomoly". alcohol and drug abuser til middle aged, Loving compassionate caring,STUBBORN
- Sharon: His off and on Lover, relationship usually NOT labeled (I wanted to marry her she was always iffy) an educated freelance journalist/childrens book author who to make ends meet was a hair stylist/ salon manager (very talented but writing was her passion) his obsession (the whole reason he was on computers) Athletic, petite, beautiful single mother with blue eyes dirty blond hair
- Sasha: Dancer, close friend/ lover , Obsessed with dusty, Briefly in love but always loved and cared for as a friend. Athletic beautiful striking 5'10" blond honestly looked like jessica simpson (see myspace profile sasha norris)
Memorable Quotes
-
“"It seems this is non-fiction, yet it reads like fiction, very interesting"”
reviewer who quote (whether she knows it or not, is the epitome or irony) (epitome=biggerest) -
“"some of the best sentences in the world end with prepositions"”
the madman -
“"two years difference in age does not an uncle make"”
the madman -
“"indeed"”
the guy I wrongly muderedid
First Sentence
In Victorian London, even in a place as louche and notoriously crime-ridden as Lambeth Marsh, the sound of gunshots was a rare event indeed.
Table of Contents
Authors & Contributors
- Simon Winchester (Author)
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