William Golding

  • Birth

    On Sept. 19, 1911, William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England.
  • Period: to

    Golding's Lifespan

  • College

    He began attending Brasenose College at Oxford. He spent 2 years studying science but then switched to the literary program. He dreamed of writing poetry.
  • Graduation

    Graduated from Oxford with a Bachelor of Arts in Eglish and a diploma in education. He then began teaching English and philosophy in Salisbury.
  • Career

    He became an writer, actor and producer at a local theater but had to get a job as a social worker to pay bills. He was influenced greatly by Shakespeare.
  • Period: to

    Navy duty

    Golding stopped his career briefly to join the Royal Navy. He went into a war.
  • Published "Lord of the Flies"

    Golding wrote Lord of the Flies to explain how savage humans are. War probably had a long-term psychological effect on him and it shows here.
  • Published 'The Inheritors"

    Published another book depicting the terrible nature of humans. Remained Golding's favorite book of all.
  • Granted Membership in the Royal Society of Literature

    Granted membership due to success with Lord of the Flies.
  • Nobel Literary Prize

    Won Nobel Literary Prize for his collection of works. His greatest achievement.
  • Knighted

    Golding was knighted for his successes. Also given honorary designation Commander of British Empire.
  • Death

    Golding died of a heart attack in Perranarworthal, Cornwall.Survived by his wife and two children.