William Golding

  • Date of Birth

    On September 17, 1911, William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He was raises by his parents Alex and Mildred Golding.
  • Education

    William received an early education from from the school his father ran. When he was only 12 he attempted to write his first novel, but his attempt was not successful.
  • First book

    After he finished primary school he attended Oxford University. In 1934 he published his first book of poems.
  • Fathers Footsteps

    After he graduated in 1935 he decided to follow his father and go into teaching. He taught English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth school in Salisbury.
  • Joining the Navy

    He decided to resign from teaching and join the Royal Navy.
  • Going back

    After going through war and seeing what the true evil of the world is he decided to leave the navy. And once world war II ended he decided to go back to teaching,
  • Lord of the Flies

    After 21 publishers rejected his novel on the 22nd try his book was published. His novel "Lord of the Flies" was his first and most acclaimed novel.
  • Retirment

    In 1963 he finally decided to retire from teaching.
  • Nobel Prize Winner

    At the age of 73 Golding was awarded the Nobel Prize of Literature.
  • Knighted by the Queen

    At 78 years old he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The movie

    A new film version of the novel "Lord of the Flies" was released bringing the book to the attention of the newer generation.
  • Last few years

    He spent his last few years with his wife, Ann Brookfield, which the have been married since 1939. Also with their 2 kids David (b. 1940) and Judith (b. 1945)
  • Death of William Golding

    Golding died of a heart attack in Perranarworthal, Cornwall