David Herbert Donald

Date of Birth: October 1, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 17, 2009

Biography

David Herbert Donald was an esteemed American historian and biographer, renowned for his expertise on the Civil War era and, in particular, his comprehensive works on Abraham Lincoln. Born in Goodman, Mississippi, Donald pursued an academic career that led him to become a preeminent figure in American historical scholarship. He earned his undergraduate degree from Millsaps College and later completed his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois under the mentorship of James G. Randall, a leading Lincoln scholar. David Herbert Donald’s career spanned several decades during which he taught at Columbia University, Smith College, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, and Harvard University. He was widely respected for his meticulous research and narrative flair, which brought historical figures and events vividly to life. Among his most celebrated works are “Lincoln” (1995), a definitive biography of Abraham Lincoln that won the Pulitzer Prize, and “Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War” (1960), which also garnered a Pulitzer Prize. Donald’s contributions to the field of American history are vast, with numerous books and articles that have influenced both scholarly and popular understanding of the Civil War and its key figures. His legacy continues to inspire historians today.

5 Interesting Facts about David Herbert Donald

1. David Herbert Donald won two Pulitzer Prizes for his historical works, one in 1961 for “Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War” and another in 1988 for “Look Homeward: A Life of Thomas Wolfe.”

2. He served as a professor at several prestigious universities, including Harvard University, where he was the Charles Warren Professor of American History.

3. His biography of Abraham Lincoln, published in 1995, is considered one of the most authoritative and comprehensive accounts of Lincoln’s life.

4. Donald was known for his mentorship and helped guide the careers of several prominent historians.

5. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from David Herbert Donald

1. “History is far too important to be left solely to historians.”

2. “The past is not simply the past; it is the key to the future.”

3. “Understanding the context of historical events is crucial to understanding the events themselves.”

4. “Lincoln’s genius was his ability to adapt to the changing circumstances of his presidency while staying true to his fundamental principles.”

5. “The study of history is the study of humanity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

David Herbert Donald’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his contributions to historical scholarship and his successful publications likely afforded him a comfortable living.