The Professor and the Madman - Simon Winchester

‘Never judge a book by its cover’ is an adage I use often and should have put into practice when buying this book. On first impressions this book is exactly the sort of thing I go for, a sensational topic written about in an accessibly academic way; a perfect combination of seediness and dustiness. I was drawn in by the promises of ‘MURDER’ and ‘INSANITY’ promised on the front cover and the mention of the OED suggested a high standard of prose which always makes these sorts of books more of a pleasure to read. Unfortunately I didn’t make use of my favourite adage and wasted a day or two as a result. ***The Story*** During the compilation of the ...