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Born
William Golding was born on September 19, 1911, in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England -
First Book
When William was just 12 years old, he attempted, unsuccessfully, to write a novel. A frustrated child, he found an outlet in bullying his peers. Later in life, William would describe his childhood self as a brat, even going so far as to say, “I enjoyed hurting people.” -
Chose Career
After primary school, William went on to attend Brasenose College at Oxford University. His father hoped he would become a scientist, but William opted to study English literature instead -
Published First Book
In 1934, a year before he graduated, William published his first work, a book of poetry aptly entitled Poems. The collection was largely overlooked by critics. -
Inspired of writing a great book
In 1935 Golding took a position teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. Golding’s experience teaching unruly young boys would later serve as inspiration for his novel Lord of the Flies. -
Changed His Mind
After college, Golding worked in settlement houses and the theater for a time. Eventually, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. -
Fought in World War II
Although passionate about teaching from day one, 1940 Golding temporarily abandoned the profession to join the Royal Navy and fight in World War II.1940 Golding temporarily abandoned the profession to join the Royal Navy and fight in World War II. -
Publishd Lord of The Flies
In 1954, after 21 rejections, Golding published his first and most acclaimed novel, Lord of the Flies. The novel told the gripping story of a group of adolescent boys stranded on a deserted island after a plane wreck. Lord of the Flies explored the savage side of human nature as the boys, let loose from the constraints of society, brutally turned against one another in the face of an imagined enemy. -
Retired
The Man Retired! -
Created Movie
In 1963, the year after Golding retired from teaching, Peter Brook made a film adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel. -
Awarderd Nobel Prize
Two decades later, at the age of 73, Golding was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize for Literature -
Knighted
In 1988 he was knighted by England’s Queen Elizabeth II. -
New Generation Enjoy Book
In 1990 a new film version of the Lord of the Flies was released, bringing the book to the attention of a new generation of readers. -
Heart Attack-Died
On June 19, 1993, Golding died of a heart attack in Perranarworthal, Cornwall. He was survived by his wife and their two children, David and Judith. After Golding passed away, his completed manuscript for The Double Tongue was published posthumously.
