David Herbert Donald was born on January 10, 1920, in Goodman, Mississippi. He grew up in a small town where his father worked as a farmer and his mother was a grade school teacher. From a young age, Donald showed a keen interest in history and politics, which would later shape his career as a renowned Lincoln historian.
Donald attended Millsaps College in Mississippi, where he studied sociology and history. It was here that he first developed a passion for researching and writing about historical figures. After completing his undergraduate degree, Donald went on to pursue a PhD at the University of Illinois. Under the guidance of the esteemed Lincoln scholar, James G. Randall, Donald honed his research skills and began focusing his academic pursuits on the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
Throughout his career, David Herbert Donald made significant contributions to the field of American history. He garnered critical acclaim for his biographies of abolitionist Charles Sumner and novelist Thomas Wolfe, both of which earned him Pulitzer Prizes. However, Donald is perhaps best known for his comprehensive biography of Abraham Lincoln, which was published in 1995.
One of the key characteristics of Donald's writing was his ability to paint a nuanced and sometimes controversial portrait of historical figures. In his portrayal of Lincoln, Donald was unafraid to highlight the president's political cunning and manipulation, challenging traditional views of the iconic figure.
David Herbert Donald's impact on the field of American history cannot be overstated. His meticulous research and thought-provoking interpretations have influenced generations of scholars and readers alike. Even after his passing in Boston, Massachusetts, Donald's work continues to inspire new perspectives on the complexities of American political history.
Aside from his academic pursuits, David Herbert Donald was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife and three children, who have carried on his legacy by pursuing their own passions in academia and beyond.
At the time of his death, David Herbert Donald was in the process of writing a volume about John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. Known for his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Donald's work on Adams promised to offer a fresh perspective on a lesser-known figure in American history.