Genius, it is said, is separated from insanity by a fine line. This notion certainly describes the interesting duality
of William Chester Minor; his life represented by tragedy juxtaposed with triumph. Simon Winchester’s book reveals the story of this troubled man and events during his time. The author relates pieces of Minor’s biography, from his childhood on Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) to his death at age 85 in a Connecticut hospital for the mentally ill. Murder, madness and productive moments of lucidity fill the intervening years. Winchester debates whether Minor’s training as a surgeon becomes a catalyst for tragedy. Ordered to a particularly bloody battlefield during the Civil War, Minor witnessed brutality he never imagined. The author questions whether Minor’s forced branding of a soldier caused an exacerbation of his already-present psychological disorders, sexual obsession and paranoia. Following discharge from the military, Minor planned a move to London in the hope that this would heal his troubled mind. However, this decision proved tragic and serendipitous. During a delusional moment, Minor murdered an innocent man. Once committed to an asylum in the English countryside, Minor’s life took an incredibly interesting turn. A love of books led to the ex-surgeon’s
contribution towards the making of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). This bibliophile’s dedication to his task for the OED enabled him to endure life in the asylum for over 30 years. The “
professor” in the title of Winchester’s work refers to James Murray, editor for the Dictionary during most of Minor’s tenure as a contributor. Murray developed admiration for Minor despite the latter’s circumstances, and eventually referred to him as a friend. Part psychological study, part biography, “The Professor and The Madman” reveals the irony that Dr. Minor’s inadequate medical treatment led to his invaluable contribution to one of the world’s most respected reference books. Simon Winchester’s comprehensive research enabled him to construct a fascinating portrait of two men and the power of words.