Date of Birth: July 24, 1916
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: December 28, 1986
Biography
John D. MacDonald was an acclaimed American novelist and short-story writer, best known for his thrillers and crime stories. Born on July 24, 1916, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, MacDonald grew up in various towns in Pennsylvania and New York. He attended Syracuse University and later obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School. His career as a novelist took off after World War II, during which he served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). MacDonald is perhaps best known for his series of novels featuring the character Travis McGee, a “salvage consultant” who recovers property for clients and takes a commission. The series started with “The Deep Blue Good-by” (1964) and includes 21 books, ending with “The Lonely Silver Rain” (1985). MacDonald’s works are known for their compelling characters, intricate plots, and keen observations on society. Over his career, MacDonald wrote more than 70 novels and numerous short stories, contributing significantly to the American crime and suspense genres. He received several awards, including the National Book Award for “The Green Ripper” in 1980 and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1972.
5 Interesting Facts about John D. MacDonald
1. John D. MacDonald wrote over 70 novels and more than 500 short stories during his career.
2. His Travis McGee series is credited with revitalizing the hardboiled detective genre.
3. MacDonald’s work “The Executioners” was twice adapted into films titled “Cape Fear” (1962 and 1991).
4. He received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1972, one of the highest honors in the mystery genre.
5. MacDonald served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, which later became the CIA.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John D. MacDonald
1. “We learn to be ourselves only by imitation.”
2. “Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn’t blow in the wind or change with the weather.”
3. “Friendships are discovered rather than made.”
4. “There’s no one thing that’s true. It’s all true.”
5. “In all emotional conflicts, the thing you find the most difficult to do is the thing that you should do.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, John D. MacDonald’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a significant sum for a writer during his time.
Children
John D. MacDonald and his wife Dorothy Prentiss had one son named Maynard.
Relevant Links
1. [John D. MacDonald – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._MacDonald
2. [The Travis McGee Series](https://www.goodreads.com/series/40350-travis-mcgee
4. [John D. MacDonald – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0531832/
5. [John D. MacDonald on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/32447.John_D_MacDonald
