![]() Samuel Johnson’s effort of the last century was the only real resource at the time. In 1857, delegates of the Philological Society decided to move forward with a dictionary of the English language. But he lacked any real purpose, and his demons pursued him. Because of his resources, he acquired two rooms in one of the nicer parts of the facility, acquired an extensive library that filled one room while he painted in the other. Found innocent by reason of insanity, he was confined to Broadmoor, an estate-like “lunatic asylum” that provided humane care, though not treatment. He lived in a poorer section, in Lambeth and one night chased down a brewery worker, shot and killed him. He went to London, seeking rest, and to restore his mind but his fears came with him. Forced to brand an Irish deserter, he was never after the same and eventually placed on a pension. ![]() He showed promise as a medical surgeon, served in Union hospitals until he had an experience during the Battle of the Wilderness that changed his life. ![]() Minor, the paranoid schizophrenic, whose contribution was vital to the project. Summary: The story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary James Murray, the editor who gave critical leadership to the project and Dr. The Professor and the Madman, Simon Winchester. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |