William Golding

By reinvention

  • Birth

    Golding is born in Cornwall, England. He was raised next door to a graveyard with his parents: a suffragette and a schoolmaster.

  • 'Poems'

    Golding publishes his first work, titled 'Poems'. It doesn't get much attention. (Not March 30.)

  • Basic Teachings

    Golding begins to teach English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth's School. His experience with the disorderly children there would later provide inspiration for his novel, The Lord of the Flies. (No specific date)

  • A War

    In 1940, Golding temporarily abandons his career. This is so that he can join the Royal Navy and fight in the second World War. He falls in love with the water and sea.

  • After the War

    The war ends. Golding returns to his teachings.

  • A Novel Idea

    William Golding publishes his first complete novel, The Lord of the Flies. It's extremely successful.

  • A Film

    A film adaptation is made of The Lord of the Flies. It was made by Peter Brook.

  • How Nobel!

    Golding is awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize for his work. This is the year directly after he retires.

  • In Shining Armor

    Golding is knighted by Elizabeth II. This is only 5 years before his death.

  • The Inevitable

    June 19, 1993, William Golding dies of a heart attack in Cornwall. After his death, the completed manuscript for The Double Tongue was published.