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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “This was a very interesting read about how the Oxford English Dictionary came to be. While introducing the "madman", Winchester also included various historical facts as well as information about other contributers to the OED. This was a concise and informative read that I enjoyed quite a bit.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Simultaneously horrifying and inspirational. The true story of a very gifted man who committed a horrible crime, was committed to an asylum, and managed to contribute to scholarship in a meaningful way. ”
Greg K wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Egads. Read it twice. Incredible.”
Mr. H wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The Professor and the Madman is about the making of the Oxford English Dictionary, and the “dangerous lunatic” that was a major contributor of entries to the dictionary. It was a fascinating narrative—well told with an interesting and educational topic. I think there were parts where Winchester waxed a bit dramatic or put in theories based upon conjecture rather than fact…but that is what journalists do, after all. :) Quite worth the read.”
Rachel B wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Waited a long time to read this, and it was all that I'd hoped for!”
jane anne angle wrote this review Wednesday, April 25, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I thought that the idea of the this book - that a criminal incarcerated in a lunatic asylum contributed significant portions to the Oxford English Dictionary - was more interesting than the actual story as i unfolded in Winchester's book. It took me months to finish - but I did remain intrigued enough to actually get to the last page. ”
Lisa K wrote this review Monday, April 23, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Impressively-researched and grippingly told. If this were fiction, you'd call it outlandish and unbelievable. And yet it's all true!”
John I Carney wrote this review Friday, April 13, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is a fascinating book about the writing of the Oxford dictionary. If you think that might be a boring topic, think again. One of the people having the greatest input was a very insane man. Just got more interesting, didn't it! You will not be disappointed with this true story.”
2manyhobbies wrote this review Monday, April 9, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Very interesting to hear a great real and dramatic story and also learn more about the making of the Oxford Dictionary. Absolutely fascinating. Real life is often more interesting than fiction.”
Sandy Nichols wrote this review Saturday, March 31, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of the most compelling, fascinating stories I've ever read. I recommend this to anyone with a deep appreciation of words.”
Rachel Sikkenga wrote this review Saturday, March 31, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Really really fun and interesting, but way over-written. Would have been a great article in the Atlantic or Vanity Fair, but 150 pages was stretching it. Still, if you're into language or words, worth the read.”
Donna A wrote this review Monday, March 19, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
