Review on Darwin

See Jessica's wonderful review on our last book here.

(I hope Jessica doesn't mind my posting a link to her blog without permission. She is so wonderful that you all ought to know her and read her blog.)

The Professor and the Madman

Our next meeting will be June 1st, hosted by Shelley.

The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester, masterfully researched and eloquently written, is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary -- and literary history. The compilation of the OED began in 1857, it was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W.C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.

(Summary provided by Goodreads.com)

Darwin

Thanks to all who came to our May meeting. It was a small gathering, but the food was great and so was the conversation.

It was fun to learn about the man behind the controversial theory of evolution. Whether you believe that humans evolved from animals or not, you can't help but agree that Darwin is a fascinating man. I loved learning about what a kind and sensitive husband and father he was. What a good and caring person.

Getting to know him through this biography has helped me feel a kinship with him. I'm glad to understand him better. I loved learning about his devoted relationship with his wife. It is interesting to learn that though his theories deeply upset her and her devout Christian sensibilities, they didn't let it divide them. He remained supportive of her faith and they continued in their love and marriage to one another.

Another great selection. Thanks for suggesting it, Jessica! I would likely never have picked up this book otherwise, and I am so glad I read (well, to be honest, am still currently reading) it.