All kinds of books are widely read by many people from around the world. There are countless books that are educating. There are many genres, but one read with the most education and significance is that of non-fiction. The Professor and the Madman by Winchester Simon is a non-fiction novel that goes into the relationship between two people with the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary is the most important dictionary and an important part in people’s lives, because it is widely used. The novel is entertaining and educational, because within the book, it has a historical significance and cultural impact where book reviews only support it.
People within the book are significant with significant background information such as James Murray who was the editor of the Oxford English Dictionary and Chester Minor, a contributor. James Murray, while being educated at Cavers School in his village, was influenced to become interested in the names of the parts of speech, animals and plants, and such more (“Oxford” 3). This shows how he became the editor of the OED, as the OED is the making of speech. This also shows that he was ambitious to put all words in the OED. During Minor's time in the Asylum, Murray made an announcement that they would accept volunteers to send them definitions, and Minor found that doing this let himself escape from insanity and contributed of tens of thousands of words (“Broadmoor’s” 2). This shoes that Minor needed something to focus on something to distract himself from insanity. It also shows that Minor focused on education and is seen as intelligent. Along with the background information for Murray and Minor, the OED also has it.
Along with James Murray and Chester Minor, the...
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...ing, and popular for that reason. It is one of many genres that are widely read by people.
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How does a dictionary impart meaning in your life? Besides giving you the literal definition of life, a dictionary can’t relate to you in any way. The Professor and The Madman provides a way for you to actually relate to the topic at hand. Using the lives of the people who wrote the Oxford English Dictionary, the book manages to relate to you on a more personal level. I never thought anything of a dictionary, never imagined who wrote it; the dictionary was just there. This book made me think a lot more about why and how everyday objects were invented; how did everything around me come to be? Learning about the doctors who wrote the OED’s childhood, problems, and achievements leaves you with a much deeper appreciation for the dictionary. Hearing
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