MacDonald, John D. (John Dann), 1916-1986

American novelist.

From the description of The end of the night, 1960. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122536373

The University of British Columbia's third president, John Barfoot Macdonald, was born in Toronto on February 23, 1918. Graduating with a degree of doctor of dental surgery from the University of Toronto in 1942, he served as captain in the Canadian Dental Corps during World War II. Following the war Macdonald studied biology at the University of Illinois and Columbia. He returned to the University of Toronto in 1949 where he accepted a teaching appointment and later became founding director of the Division of Dental Research. His growing reputation as a researcher and educator led to an invitation from Harvard University in 1956 where he became a professor of microbiology and director of the Forsythe Infirmary. In 1962 Macdonald accepted the University of British Columbias offer to become president. In announcing the appointment Chancellor Phyllis Ross indicated that the Board of Governors felt that the institution had secured an administrator of ability, a scholar of repute, and a leader of distinction. Macdonald provided leadership for the institution during very difficult times in the 1960s. During his time at UBC Macdonald not only influenced the development of the institution but also higher education throughout the province with his study and published report, Higher Education in British Columbia and a Plan for the Future (1962). His recommendations lay the foundation for the establishment of Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria and allowed UBC to concentrate on the development and expansion of graduation education and research. Macdonalds career as UBC president lasted from 1962 to 1967. Following his years at UBC he led a major study of the role of the federal government in supporting research at universities. The recommendations in the ensuing report led to the establishment of the National Sciences and Engineering Council, Humanities and Social Sciences Council and the Medical Research Council all major funding sources for university research activities. During the 1970s Macdonald served as CEO for the Council of Ontario Universities. For his contributions as a scientist and academic leader Macdonald received honorary degrees from Harvard University, University of Manitoba, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, Wilfred Laurier University, Brock University, University of Western Ontario, University of Windsor and the University of Toronto. He was also named to the Order of Canada. For additional biographical information see John B. Macdonald, Chances and Choices: A Memoir (2001).

From the description of John B. Macdonald fonds. 1962-1967. (University of British Columbia Library). WorldCat record id: 607063792

The John D. MacDonald Collection is the official repository for John D. MacDonald's original manuscripts, correspondence, research and personal notes, copies of books, press clippings, and a wide assortment of memorabilia in addition to these original stories collected in their original pulp, or other magazine form. The Rare Books Collection hopes to someday obtain a complete collection of these works. Also included are non-fiction works concerning Florida travel, the perils of retirement, and the poor quality of television detective shows.

From the description of [John D. MacDonald Pulp Fiction Collection]. 1946-1988. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 60193986

John Dann MacDonald was born July 24, 1916 in Sharon, Pennsylvania. While attending Syracuse School of Business, MacDonald met Dorothy Prentiss, and they were married in 1937. He went on to attend Harvard Business School and received an M.B.A. in 1939. Their son, John Prentiss, was born in 1939. During the war, MacDonald served in South Asia as Ordnance Officer for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). In 1945 he sent a short story to Dorothy, who without his knowledge, submitted it to Story magazine where it was bought for $25.00 He arrived home after his discharge from military service in 1945, and when Dorothy told him of the short story sale to Story magazine, he decided to write full-time. That first short story, "Interlude in India," appeared in Story magazine in the July/August 1946 issue. He continued selling his short stories to magazines, and in 1950 published his first novel, The Brass Cupcake. By the time of his death on Dec. 28, 1986 he had written nearly 500 short stories, and published 78 books.

MacDonald first visited Florida in 1949, and after spending winters in the Clearwater and Sarasota area, bought a house in 1952 on Point Crisp, Sarasota, and lived there until 1969, when he and Dorothy moved into a new home built for them on Siesta Key. MacDonald contributed to anthologies and magazines, assisted in film and television adaptations of his writings, taught at New College, served on the board of directors of the Ringling School of Art, and participated in local environmental preservation efforts. He is best known for his series of detective novels featuring the protagonist Travis McGee, and is acknowledged as a master of the adventure-thriller genre. His books continue to earn praise from readers, and lasting respect from fellow authors.

From the description of John D. MacDonald Collection 1800-1997, (bulk: 1916-1986) (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 641235633

John Dann MacDonald was born July 24, 1916 in Sharon, Pennsylvania. While attending Syracuse School of Business, MacDonald met Dorothy Prentiss, and they were married in 1937. He went on to attend Harvard Business School and received an M.B.A. in 1939. Their son, John Prentiss, was born in 1939.

During the war, MacDonald served in South Asia as Ordnance Officer for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). In 1945 he sent a short story to Dorothy, who without his knowledge, submitted it to Story magazine where it was bought for $25.00 He arrived home after his discharge from military service in 1945, and when Dorothy told him of the short story sale to Story magazine, he decided to write full-time.

That first short story, "Interlude in India," appeared in Story magazine in the July/August 1946 issue. He continued selling his short stories to magazines, and in 1950 published his first novel, The Brass Cupcake . By the time of his death on Dec. 28, 1986 he had written nearly 500 short stories, and published 78 books.

He was given the Grandmaster Award in 1972 by the Mystery Writers of America; The American Book Award (1980); the Ben Franklin Award (1955); and was Guest of Honor at the Mystery Writers of America Annual Bouchercon in 1983. Numerous other awards, including Honorary Doctorates from Hobart, William Smith, and the University of South Florida were given to him as well.

MacDonald first visited Florida in 1949, and after spending winters in the Clearwater and Sarasota area, bought a house in 1952 on Point Crisp, Sarasota, and lived there until 1969, when he and Dorothy moved into a new home built for them on Siesta Key.

MacDonald contributed to anthologies and magazines, assisted in film and television adaptations of his writings, taught at New College, served on the board of directors of the Ringling School of Art, and participated in local environmental preservation efforts.

He is best known for his series of detective novels featuring the protagonist Travis McGee, and is acknowledged as a master of the adventure-thriller genre. His books continue to earn praise from readers, and lasting respect from fellow authors.

From the guide to the John D. MacDonald Collection, 1800-1997, 1916-1986, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)