Explained: Annie Dillard, Pulitzer-winning author of 'Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,' dies at 81

Annie Dillard, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, died at age 81.

Pulitzer Prize

A prestigious American award for achievements in journalism, literature, and musical composition.

PEN/Faulkner award

An annual American literary award given for the best published works of fiction.

National Humanities Medal

An honor given by the President of the United States to individuals for outstanding contributions to the humanities.

memoir

A written account in which an author records personal experiences from their own life.

master's thesis

A research paper required to complete a master's degree program, here on Henry David Thoreau.