Tom Macdonald (writer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Macdonald
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Thomas Macdonald
22 November 1900 Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn, Cardiganshire, Wales
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| Died | 9 February 1980 (aged 79) 'Y Nyth', Capel Bangor, Dyfed, Wales
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| Education | Rhydypennau Board School Ardwyn Grammar School |
| Alma mater | University College of Wales, Aberystwyth |
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| Spouse(s) | Minnie Eileen Dainow (1904–1996) |
| Children | Michael Macdonald (adopted, died in infancy); Gillian Macdonald (adopted) and Robin Macdonald (adopted) |
| Parent(s) | John Macdonald (1860–1938) and Ada Jones (1878–1946) |
Tom Macdonald (1900–1980) was a writer and journalist from Wales. His most important book was The White Lanes of Summer (1975). It was a special story about his childhood in Cardiganshire (now Ceredigion) before World War I.
Contents
About Tom Macdonald
Thomas Macdonald was born on November 22, 1900. His birthplace was Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn in Cardiganshire, Wales. His father, John Macdonald, was a tinker with Irish family. His mother was Ada Jones.
Tom spent his early years in a small village cottage. Later, his family moved to Pen-y-garn and then to Bow Street. His father said their family name was actually MacDonnell. It was changed by mistake when his birth was recorded.
Even though his family was Catholic, Tom was greatly influenced by the Welsh Calvinistic Methodism of his community. This was a strong religious movement in Wales.
His Education and Career
Tom Macdonald first went to Rhydypennau Board School. After that, he attended Ardwyn Grammar School in Aberystwyth. He then studied at the University College of Wales, also in Aberystwyth. However, he left college before finishing his degree because his teacher passed away.
Tom then started a long career as a newspaper journalist. This lasted for forty years! He worked for several newspapers, including the Cambrian News and the Western Mail. He also worked for the Daily Express.
Tom's work took him to different parts of the world. He worked in China and Australia. He returned to Wales during the Great Depression, a time when many people struggled to find jobs.
In 1939, Tom and his wife, Eileen, moved to South Africa. He became a chief reporter and news editor at The Sunday Times in Johannesburg. Tom could not join the army for World War II because of childhood illnesses.
His Books
Tom Macdonald wrote many books. His first book was Henry and Songs of Nature (1920). He wrote it to remember his younger brother, who died at age seven in 1913.
He later published six novels in English. All of these stories were set in Wales:
- Gareth the Ploughman (1939)
- The Peak (1941)
- Gate of Gold (1946)
- The Black Rabbit (1948)
- How Soon Hath Time (1950)
- The Song of the Valley (1951)
Tom also wrote two books about South African history and news:
- Ouma Smuts: The First Lady of South Africa (1946)
- Jan Hofmeyr: Heir to Smuts (1948)
He also wrote The Transvaal Story (1961). This book was a collection of articles about his travels and the people he met in the Transvaal province of South Africa. Tom also wrote many short stories. These were published in different English magazines, especially in Argosy.
His Most Important Work
Tom's most famous book was his memoir, The White Lanes of Summer (1975). A memoir is a book where someone writes about their own life and memories. He wrote this book over many years while living in South Africa.
Before it was published in English, it was translated into Welsh as Y Tincer Tlawd (1971). Tom said that The White Lanes of Summer was "nearer to my heart than anything I have written." This shows how much it meant to him.
He also published two other non-fiction books:
- Where Silver Salmon Leap (1976), in English
- Gwanwyn Serch (1982), translated into Welsh
Gwanwyn Serch shared more memories from his childhood. It was like a follow-up to Y Tincer Tlawd. He also had a novel published in Welsh called Y Nos Na Fu (1974). His first English novel was also translated into Welsh as Croesi’r Bryniau (1980).
Later Life and Return to Wales
In 1962, Tom Macdonald retired to the South Coast of Natal, South Africa. But he missed Wales very much. This feeling is called hiraeth in Welsh, which means a deep longing for home.
Because of his health and his longing for Wales, he returned to Bow Street, Ceredigion in 1965. He lived briefly at Plas Cwmcynfelyn before settling at 'Y Nyth' in Capel Bangor.
Tom Macdonald passed away at his home on February 9, 1980. He was 79 years old.
