JM
John McDonald
30quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
John McDonald was a renowned Australian author, best known by his pen name, Ross Macdonald.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 24, 1915, in San Francisco, California, John McDonald passed away on July 1, 1983, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
A citizen of Australia by birth, McDonald held American citizenship for most of his life. He is widely recognized as an American crime writer and author of detective fiction novels.
Early Life and Background
John McDonald grew up in a family with strong literary roots. His father, Archibald Leach, was a journalist and editor who encouraged John's early interest in writing. After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, McDonald began his career as a writer, contributing to various publications under pseudonyms.
Major Accomplishments
McDonald achieved significant success with his Lew Archer series, which consists of 18 novels. This collection of detective fiction earned him numerous awards and nominations, including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1972. He is also known for his standalone novel, The Galton Case, a New York Times bestseller.
Notable Works or Actions
McDonald's writing style was heavily influenced by the hard-boiled detective genre. His novels often explored themes related to social justice and the human condition, adding depth to the traditional detective fiction narrative. One of his notable works is The Chill, which features a complex plot centered around a former movie star and her struggles with fame.
Impact and Legacy
John McDonald's impact on literature extends beyond his literary achievements. He played a significant role in shaping the American crime novel, influencing other prominent authors such as Rex Stout and Dashiell Hammett. The Mystery Writers of America recognized his contributions to the genre by awarding him the Grand Master Award in 1972.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John McDonald is widely quoted or remembered for his thought-provoking novels, which continue to inspire contemporary authors and readers alike. His exploration of complex themes and nuanced characters has cemented his place as a master of detective fiction.
Quotes by John McDonald
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We have been endowed with the capacity and the power to create desirable pictures within and to find them automatically in the outer world of our environment.
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He pushed me to get stronger. But what impressed me the most about Travis was his agility. He ran a lot.
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He backed the wrong person and now they're using the workers' comp claim for retribution. That's illegal. You can't do that.
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I don't see how it helps retirees at all. I just don't see how this is a fundamental solution to anything.
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It's just clutch hitting and, at some point in baseball, that just starts to happen.
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There's a state statute that says you can't discriminate against anybody for filing or pursuing a workers' compensation claim. I think it's clear they've done that.
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There must be a positive and negative in everything in the universe in order to complete a circuit or circle, without which there would be no activity, no motion.
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