The Professor and the Madman

The Professor and the Madman
Simon Winchester
1999

Simon Winchester uses a variety of different methods of communication. He is able to connect to his readers in these different ways so that it is not confusing, but helpful to the reader as they file through this book. Winchester first uses definitions at the beginning of every chapter in this book. These definitions first of all establish Winchester as a reliable author because it represents that he know what he is writing about. Second, they give a precursor as to what is going to happen in the chapter; Winchester is setting his audience up. The second form of communication that Winchester uses is narration. Winchester narrates the stories of William Minor and James Murray. Then he goes on to describe their inevitable meeting. These narrations present us with a very curious and interesting story that readers want to read. The last of Winchesters forms of communication lies with his use of others texts. He presents official articles in his book that others have written about the stories of Minor and Murray. Such passages reflect on Winchesters character because they show that he is knowledgeable of others opinions and how they may think about the characters lives. Examples of this are the official diagnosis of Minors health conditions etc.