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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In 1915, which newspaper did the editor of the Oxford English Dictionary write to and complain about the story of Murray meeting Minor in the asylum?

2. How many pages did "A" have in the first published installment?

3. Who came first to the Broadmoor Asylum?

4. Minor's submissions to Murray arrived in ______________.

5. Why did Hall not come to the great dictionary dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. What showed the great essence of teamwork between Murray and Minor?

2. The author only briefly mentions Dr. Hall's absence from the dinner. Why is this significant in relation to his opinion of Minor?

3. What does Murray's Scriptorium represent to present day scholars of the English language?

4. Why do you think Murray so grossly underestimated the amount of time it would take to finish the Oxford English Dictionary after the first publication of the first book?

5. What does the author give as the chief purpose behind Minor's self-mutilation? Was it achieved?

6. Why is it important, in relation to Minor's past, that the author states that people admired Minor for his meticulous work?

7. Describe how Minor may have felt when he entered the property at the Broadmoor Asylum.

8. What is relevant about the fact that Minor was a fan of Huxley, particularly his idea of agnosticism?

9. What is controversial about the story of the meeting of Minor and Murray?

10. Explain the significance of Minor's submissions evolving from one slip of paper to large paper bags arriving in Murray's office.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of the book and its chapter titles are somewhat surprising considering that this is a non-fiction book about the making of a famous dictionary. Why are the titles surprising? Discuss what effects the author may have aimed for in choosing these titles.

Essay Topic 2

"The English-speaking world is better off for the death of Charles Merrett." How could this statement be considered to be true? Do you think the author agrees? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Redemption and the overcoming of personal and professional obstacles are central to the text. Discuss.

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