Donald N. Thompson

Donald N. Thompson was an American writer and journalist, whose most famous works included novels, biographies and poetry. He was born on November 18, 1942, in Lamar, Arkansas to Jack and Marjorie ‘Rocker’ Thompson, who were both in their early twenties when Donald was born.

Early in life, Donald showed an affinity for reading and writing, and during high school, he was an editor for the school paper. After his graduation from Lamar High School in 1959, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1962. During this same time, he was also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, a fraternity.

Liberty Hill, his debut novel, was published in 1977, telling the story of a rural town facing the difficulties of progress in the modern world. It was chosen to be the Literary Guild selection of the month. His follow-up novel, Gold and Silver, was released shortly after, followed in subsequent years by White Oaks, The Crowded House, and Fire Season, among other works.

Donald wrote extensively on topics concerning the South throughout his career; his works were not always received well, however, due to his frank approach to difficult topics. He was considered by many to be an outspoken and unapologetic advocate for the rights of African Americans in the United States.

In addition to his novels, Donald wrote many biographies. He wrote biographies of two notable figures: Senator Richard B. Russell and Louisiana Governor Huey Long. He was often chosen to ghostwrite memoirs for individuals and to expand upon the works of other authors.

Donald N. Thompson’s poems often reflected on life in the South, with imagery of the back woods and poverty. He also wrote lyrical verse about politics, history and religion, often taking a cynical approach which some have labeled “darkly comic.”

Donald was honored many times for his work in journalism and writing. In 1979, he was awarded the Pulitizer Prize for Investigative Journalism for a series of editorials he wrote about White Citizens Councils in the South. He was also the recipient of fellowships from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Guggenheim Foundation.

Donald N. Thompson died in 2016 at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy of works which examine the social and political lives of individuals in the Southern United States. His works are still read today, and serve as a reminder of how life was experienced in the South during the mid-to-late 20th century.