The Surgeon of Crowthorne

The Surgeon of Crowthorne

The Surgeon of Crowthorne, also known as The Professor and the Madman in the United States, is a non-fiction book written by Simon Winchester. Published in 1998, the book tells the fascinating story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and the unlikely collaboration between two men: Dr. William Chester Minor, an American Civil War veteran and inmate at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, and Dr. James Murray, the editor of the OED.

Background

The Surgeon of Crowthorne explores the life of Dr. William Chester Minor, a former surgeon in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, Minor moved to London but gradually developed severe mental illness, which led him to commit a murder. He was subsequently declared insane and sent to Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital.

The Creation of the Oxford English Dictionary

Dr. James Murray, a self-taught linguist and philologist, was appointed as the editor of the OED in 1879. Realizing the monumental task of compiling the dictionary, Murray sought the help of volunteers to collect and submit word definitions and quotations from various sources.

One of the most prolific contributors turned out to be Dr. William Chester Minor. Despite his confinement at Broadmoor, Minor meticulously researched and submitted thousands of quotations to Murray. The two men developed a unique correspondence, with Murray unaware of Minor's true circumstances.

Collaboration and Friendship

As Murray and Minor continued their collaboration, Murray became increasingly curious about Minor's background. Eventually, he discovered the truth about Minor's incarceration and mental illness. Despite this revelation, Murray maintained a deep respect for Minor's contributions and continued their friendship.

Legacy

The Surgeon of Crowthorne sheds light on the extraordinary story of Dr. William Chester Minor and his significant role in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. It highlights the power of language and the dedication of individuals who strive to preserve and document it.

The book has received critical acclaim for its engaging narrative and meticulous research. It offers a unique perspective on the history of lexicography and the challenges faced by those involved in creating one of the most comprehensive dictionaries in the English language.

See Also

• Oxford English Dictionary
• Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum
• Simon Winchester

External Links

• The Surgeon of Crowthorne - Simon Winchester Official Website