A tale of madness, insanity and genius behind the making of Oxford English Dictionary

I picked up this book because a conspiracy theory - true or not - always makes up for an intriguing read. The Professor and the Madman, turned out to be much more than a mere account of a conspiracy. It is a masterful piece of research around the most celebrated English literature.

The Professor and the Madman is the story of 2 men who probably had the most impact on the making of the Oxford English Dictionary. However, unlike what the title suggests, more than the making of the dictionary, it is a character study of the 2 most important people behind the dictionary and the strange bond they shared.

Professor James Murray, the distinguished editor of the OED project and Dr. William Chester Minor, an American Military Surgeon's paths cross in strange twist of fate this strange association probably became the biggest reason behind the success of the OED project. What makes this association most interesting is that for most part of the project, Professor Murray was oblivious of the rather dark life of Dr. Minor, who apart from being a murderer was also a committed insane confined to an asylum. His astounding contribution to the making of OED behind the walls of this asylum and his struggle to continue towards this single goal in life is as much inspirational as it is unbelievable.

This strange relationship between Murray and Minor, the insanity and genius of Minor and and how it shaped the greatest achievement in the English literature - the OED  - is what this book is all about. Simon Winchester, a master journalist, has time and again brought out  many such obscure stories of historical essence to his readers and this one is no different. It is an extremely well researched book that gives an equal space to all prevailing viewpoints whether it is about the identity and / or insanity of Dr. Minor or about their relationship.

It is an exemplary work of research and journalism and for all those interested in knowing the darker truths behind seemingly harmless events in the history, The Professor and the Madman will definitely deliver the goods.