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Birth
William Golding was born on September 19, 1911 in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He was born to Alex and Mildred Golding. -
First Attempt
At age 12, Golding was already inspired to write. He attempted writing a novel; however, it was unsuccessful -
A Second Attempt
One year before graduating from Brasenose College, at Oxford, Golding once again tried writing. He published Poems, a book of poems he had written. It was widely looked over by critics, and was considered another failure. -
Career
Golding began teaching once he graduated from college. He taught English and philosophy at Bishop Wordworth's School. This teaching career helped inspire his later work, Lord of the Flies -
Starting a Family
In 1939 Golding married his fiancé, Ann Brookfield. Later in their marriage they had two kids, David and Judith. They were married until the day they died. -
Service to England
Golding temporarily left teaching at the boys school to fight in World War II as a part of the Royal Navy. While fighting for his country he developed a lifelong love for the sea. -
Success!!
Finally, Golding published his first novel, and it soared! He published Lord of the Flies in 1954 and it became one of many popular novels he wrote. It was a relief after 21 book rejections. -
Nobel Prize
Golding was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. It was for his outstanding novels, including Lord of the Flies. A place he never imagined being when growing up. -
Knighted
Golding took on much respect and fame from the community, and much of the world. Even the Queen of England heard about his work. So in 1988, Queen Elizabeth II knighted William Golding. -
Death
On June 19, 1993, Sir William Golding died at 82. He had suffered a heart attack and never recovered. He died in Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England.
