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Birth
William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. His father was called Alex and his mother Mildred.He had an elder brother, called Joseph. At the age of seven, William started writing, though his love for books started much earlier. -
First attempt of writing a book
At the age of twelve, William tried to write a book. But unfortunately, this didn't work out. -
Starting Studying Science
William started Brasenose College at Oxford University, studying Science, just like his father wanted him to. -
Starting studying English Literature
But after two years, he switched to the English Literature study, for he realised he loved books far more. -
First publicity
In the Autumn of 1934, William published his first book, simply called 'Poems'. -
Period: to
Busy William
In this period, William had a lot of work to do. He remained being a writer, but also an actor, and a theater producer. And then, for paying his bills, he had a job as social worker. -
Graduation
William graduated from Oxford with his Bachelor in English Literature and the possibility of teaching in his following career. -
Starting to teach
In 1939, William started a new job: teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordworth’s School in Salisbury. -
Marriage
William Golding married Ann Brookfield, an analytic chemist. -
Period: to
World War II
During the Second World War, William joined the Royal Navy. He had to fight in the war for five years, on board of a destroyer. Although the circumstances were of course terrible, Golding developed an extraordinary romance with sailing and with the sea. -
Birth David Golding
Goldings first son David was born in September 1940. -
Back to teaching and writing!
After the war, Golding was free to take up his old hobbies: he was able to write again and he also went back to teach. -
Birth Judith Golding
Golding's second and last child was born: Judith Diana. -
First publication: Lord of The Flies
William published his first novel, called Lord of The Flies. In this time it was not a great success, but soon became a big bestseller. -
Second publication: The Inheritors
Soon, his following book came out. Though many readers found it difficult to understand the book, it remained William's favourite for the rest of his life/ -
The Royal Society of Literature
Because of his book, The Lord of The Flies, William was granted a membership in the Royal Society of Literature. A great honor, of course. -
Third publication: Pincher Martin
The third publication became a fact. A brand new book called Pincher Martin, written by William Golding made its entrance in the wide world. -
A comedic play: The Brass Butterfly
William wrote a comedic play in '56, that he didn't publish, but that was later, in 1971, one of the novellas in 'The Scorpion God'. -
Fourh publication: Free Fall
In 1959, William published his fourth novel: Free Fall -
Goodbye Boys!
Because Golding was now a full-time writer, he wanted more time and decided to quit teaching. So in 1962 he gave up teachership. -
The Lord of the Flies - Film by Peter Brook
Peter Brook started making a film of Goldings novel, The Lord of The Flies, in 1962. It was released in 1963. -
Fifth publication: The Spire
In December 1964, Golding published his fifth novel. -
Awarded the CBE
In '65, Golding received the honorary designation Commander of the British Empire (CBE) -
Sixth publication: The Hot Gates and Other Occassional Pieces
Golding published a collection of essays in '66. The collection is divided into four sections: "People and Places", "Books", "Westward Look" and "Caught in a Bush". -
Seventh publication: The Pyramid
Goldings seventh real publication is divided into three stories, all with the same main character. -
Eighth publication: The Scorpion God
The Scorpion God consists of three short novels. -
Ninth publication: Darkness Visible
Darkness Visible appeared in 1979. -
Tenth publication: Rites of Passage (The Sea Trilogy)
In 1980, Golding started a trilogy with the first book: Rites of Passage. -
Eleventh publication: A Moving Target (a collection of essays)
This book, A Moving Target is a collection of essays and is divided into the two sections of "Places" and "Ideas". -
Nobel Prize
A next great honor: Golding receives the Nobel Prize of literature. -
Twelfth publication: The Paper Men
Another book appears: The Paper Men! -
Thirteenth publication: An Egyptian Journal
This is another collection of essays, published by Golding. The third in the row. -
Fourteenth publication: Close Quarters (The Sea Trilogy)
The second part of the Sea Trilogy appeared in 1987. -
Knighted by the Queen
In the summer of 1988, Golding was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace -
Fifteenth publication: Fire Down Below (The Sea Trilogy)
The final book in the trilogy, published in '89. -
New film of The Lord of The Flies
In 1990 a new version of The Lord of The Flies is made by Harry Hook. -
Death
William Golding died of an heart attack in Cornwall He was buried in the village churchyard at Bowerchalke, South Wiltshire. His wife Ann died on the 1st of January, 1995.
