Discover books similar to "The Surgeon Of Crowthorne"
Simon Winchester
The Surgeon Of Crowthorne
3.84
"The Surgeon of Crowthorne: A Tale of Murder, Madness, and the Love of Words" by Simon Winchester is a fascinating exploration of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and the unlikely collaboration between its editor, James Murray, and one of its most prolific and eccentric contributors, Dr. W.C. Minor. The book begins with the gruesome story of Dr. Minor's past, including his service in the American Civil War and his subsequent descent into madness after suffering a traumatic injury. This leads to his incarceration in the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum in England, where he spends the rest of his life. Despite his confinement, Minor becomes one of the OED's most dedicated contributors, spending countless hours reading and annotating texts to provide definitions and etymologies for the dictionary's entries. Winchester expertly weaves together the stories of Murray and Minor, highlighting the irony of a man who has committed a heinous crime becoming an essential part of a project dedicated to preserving the English language. Winchester's writing is engaging and accessible, making the complex process of lexicography interesting and understandable to the lay reader. He also provides a wealth of historical and cultural context, exploring the social and intellectual climate of Victorian England and the development of the English language. "The Surgeon of Crowthorne" is not only a captivating story of murder, madness, and the power of language but also a testament to the human capacity for redemption and the enduring value of knowledge and learning. Winchester's meticulous research and vivid storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in language, history, or the human condition...
List of books similar to "The Surgeon Of Crowthorne":
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