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Born
William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He was raised in a 14th century house that was located next to a graveyard. He was raised by his mother, Mildred, and his father, Alex. -
Early Years
William went to Marlborough Grammar School which was ran by his father, Alex. Williams first attempt at writing a novel, at the age of 12, was unsuccessful. -
Higher Learning
William attended Brasenose College at Oxford University after finishing primary school. Even though his father wanted him to become a scientist, he studied English literature instead -
First Book
A year before he graduated college, Golding published his first poetry book entitled Poems. -
Becoming a Teacher
Golding decided to become a teacher. He got hired to teach English and philosophy at a school in Salisbury called Bishop Wordsworth's School. -
Royal Navy
William Golding temporarily abandoned his position for teaching to join the Royal Navy and fight in World War 2. He spent the next 6 years on a boat where he developed a long lasting romance for sailing and the sea. -
After Royal Navy
After World War 2 had ended Golding continued with teaching and writing. -
First Novel
After 21 rejections, William Golding published Lord of the Flies. This was his first and most acclaimed novel. -
Noble Prize Award
Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature two decades after retiring from teaching. -
Death
Golding spent the last years of his life with his wife, Ann Brookefield. During these years, he continued with his writing. Golding died by having a heart attack in Perranarworthal, Cornwall.