William Golding

  • birth

    On September 19th, William Golding was born to Alex and Mildred Golding. His father was a schoolmaster and his mother was a women's rights advocate.
  • childhood

    When he was about 12 years old, Golding attempted unsuccessfully to write a novel. He was educated at the school his father ran, and often took to bullying his fellow youths to let out his frustration.
  • college

    Golding attended Brasenose College at Oxford University. Although his father had hoped he would become a scientist, Golding instead chose to pursue studies in English Literature. In 1934, while enrolled at university, he published his fist book; a collection of poems titled "poems".
  • teaching career

    Much like his father, Golding took up a career teaching English and Philosophy. His time teaching adolescent school boys influenced is later work, "Lord of The Flies".
  • service in the Royal Navy

    although he was always passionate about teaching, Golding answered his country's call to arms in 1940 and enlisted in the Royal Navy. He earned the rank of Lieutenant, and developed a love for sailing during his time at sea.
  • life after the war

    After the war was over, Golding returned to his teaching career. During the war, Golding observed that "man produces evil as a bee produces honey".
  • Lord of The Flies

    After 21 rejections, Golding's Magnum Opus was published. The novel is widely regarded as a classic, and still discussed in classrooms today.
  • death

    at 81 years old, Golding died of a heart attack. He spent the last few years living quietly with his wife.