The Professor and the Madman

The Professor and the Madman
Simon Winchester
1999

Simon Winchester creates a fantasy that extends beyond any reach or any boundaries when he writes this book describing "murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford dictionary." (cover) The process in which Winchester forms this book makes the reader more knowledgeable and more intellectual. This book was written about the Oxford English Dictionary. Now, one cannot quite write such a book without presenting their own personal extensive vocabulary. That is how Simon Winchester presents his book. Winchesters vocabulary is amazing. His word choice is one of a wide expanse. Such words as "lexicographically, laudable, poignant, obituarists, serendipitous," represent the complexity of Winchesters vocabulary.
However, Winchesters vocabulary also shapes the persona that he gives off. The reader's judgment is clearly guided by Winchesters complex word choice. With Winchesters complex word choice, he is able to impress the reader. With this good impression, Winchester can now be considered a reliable author and this allows him to connect with the reader on more levels than one. Once this is done, the reader can proceed through the book with a safeguard on, making the book and author successful.