Has anybody read the Professor and the Madman? If you did how was it?

Answer 1

Not life-changing, but an enjoyable, well-written, interesting read. I'd recommend it.

Answer 2

I agree with the other posts. I found the book an interesting read. Though it's nonfiction, it reads almost like a novel. You can't help getting interested in the two main characters (the British professor/lexicographer and the American madman). But you also learn a lot about dictionary-making and about how mental illnes was treated in the past. You do feel a bit of suspense about how it's all going to turn out. It's a quick read, and a very plesant one.

Answer 3

It was much more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I mean, come on, my professor assigned a book about the making of a DICTIONARY?

But once I started reading, I got caught up in it. I thought it was a fascinating corner of history that nobody knows about. (Unless you've read the book, of course.)

I've been meaning to get around to Simon Winchester's other books to see if they're as good, but haven't yet.

Answer 4

I agree with SampleSize. I'm a dictionary junkie, especially etymological dictionaries in various languages and the OED, I regularly send suggestions to dictionary editors, and I'd heard the story of the American mental patient who became a pen pal of the OED editor in the 19th century, so I was ready to be hooked. I was, but not as much as I'd expected. It is a great story told in a workmanlike way.

Answer 5

I assigned it as an option to my honors high school seniors. Of 10 who read it, 9 liked it by the end and one did not.

I agree with the other responses here, and 90% of my skeptical students liked it after they had finished.

Answer 6

I loved this book! I've never known anyone else who has read it. I found it fascinating. I love to read books that teach me something as they entertain me and this book did both. Very interesting read. It's definitely for an experienced and avid reader. Not a beach book. LOL.