The Man Who Made Lists

By Joshua Kendall

Book Overview

The extraordinary true story of Peter Mark Roget and his legendary Thesaurus, Peter Mark Roget-polymath, eccentric, synonym aficionado-was a complicated man. He was an eminent scholar who absorbed himself in his work, yet he also possessed an allure that endeared him to his mentors and colleagues-not to mention a host of female admirers. But, most notably, Roget made lists. From the age of eight, he kept these lists with the intention of ordering the chaotic world around him. After his father's death, his mother became, at once, overbearing and despondent. Soon, his sister would also descend into mental illness. Despite these tragedies, Roget lived a colorful life full of unexpected twists and discoveries-including narrowly avoiding jail in Napoleon's France, assisting famed physician Thomas Beddoes by personally testing the effects of laughing gas, and inventing the slide rule. Evocative and entertaining, The Man Who Made Lists lets readers join Roget on his worldly adventures and emotional journeys. This rich narrative explores the power of words and the everlasting legacy of a rediscovered genius.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399154620
• ISBN13: 9780399154621
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Putnam Adult
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.1" x 6.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

I learned something . .

I enjoyed this book, it felt like a historical romp with fascinating people. I picked up the book because I was intrigued with the underlying story about how a doctor with an apparent obsessive compulsive disorder and crazy family would end up being best known for creating a book that increased my vocabulary and helped me polish many college papers. Roget lived in an amazing time when "poets were scientists," and he defines the Renaissance man, which is something that I had not appreciated prior to reading this book. The book does take many tangents that are usually entertaining as they involve many other famous figures who happen to be friends w/ Roget. (If Roget had written the book himself he would surely have been accused of name dropping). In general, I learned something about this logophile, why he created the Thesaurus and how he thrived in a remarkable era.

Superb read on Roget's Thesaurus

This book kept me engrossed till the finish. A fascinating insight into Roget and his misfortune-plagued family and how it led him to his famous thesaurus. I was quite amazed at the development of his career and what he did and achieved. Strongly recommended read.

The Man Who Made Lists

Couldn't put the book down. Peter Roget's life was fascinating, there were many historical facts intertwined that made the book an even more interesting read.

Page-turner yet sensitive, accessible yet stimulating

This fine new biography, as the New York Times calls it in its 3/16/08 Book Review, has the distinction of being a page-turning, entertaining read but at the same time is full of concept and history. Delightful!