Date of Birth: May 1, 1940
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: November 11, 2018
Biography
Donald McCaig was an esteemed American novelist, known for his significant contributions to the genre of historical fiction. Born in Butte, Montana, McCaig grew up with a profound connection to the American landscape and its history, which deeply influenced his writing. After earning a degree in philosophy from the University of Montana, he served as a Marine and later worked in advertising in New York City. Disenchanted with urban life, McCaig moved to the countryside of Virginia, where he dedicated himself to writing and sheep farming. McCaig is best known for his Civil War novels, including “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Canaan,” which explore the complexities of the American Civil War. He was also chosen by the Margaret Mitchell estate to write authorized sequels to “Gone with the Wind,” namely “Rhett Butler’s People” and “Ruth’s Journey.” His works are celebrated for their rich historical detail, compelling characters, and deep moral questions. In addition to his novels, McCaig wrote essays and articles on a variety of topics, reflecting his diverse interests and expansive knowledge. He was also an advocate for animal welfare, particularly working dogs, and penned several non-fiction books on the subject.
5 Interesting Facts about Donald McCaig
1. Donald McCaig was a sheep farmer in the Virginia countryside, which greatly influenced his writing.
2. He served as a Marine before embarking on a career in advertising in New York City.
3. McCaig was chosen by the Margaret Mitchell estate to write authorized sequels to “Gone with the Wind.”
4. His novel “Jacob’s Ladder” won the Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction.
5. McCaig was an advocate for working dogs and wrote several non-fiction books about them.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Donald McCaig
1. “History is not what was, but what is remembered.”
2. “Good fiction must be a mirror that reflects the human condition.”
3. “The land shapes us as much as we shape the land.”
4. “Every character I write has a piece of my soul.”
5. “A writer’s job is to ask questions, not answer them.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Donald McCaig’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Donald McCaig and his wife, Anne, did not have any children.
Relevant Links
2. [Author Page – Simon & Schuster](https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Donald-McCaig
3. [Interview – Civil War Trust](https://www.civilwar.org/learn/interviews/donald-mccaig
5. [Biography – Virginia Writers Club](https://www.virginiawritersclub.org/mccaig-donald
