-
Birth
William Golding is born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He is raised in a 14th-century house next door to a graveyard. -
Early Education
Receives early education at Marlborough Grammar School. His father runs the school. -
Book of Poetry
Publishes a book of poetry entitled Poems a year before he graduates. This collection was largely overlooked by critics. -
Begins Teaching
Takes a position teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. This experience teaching would later serve as inspiration for Lord of the Flies. -
Joins Royal Navy
Temporarily leaves teaching to join the Royal Navy. He does this to go fight in World War II. -
Resumes Profession
World War II finally ends. Golding goes back to teaching and writing. -
First Novel
Publishes his first novel, Lord of the Flies. He faced 21 rejections before successfully doing so. -
Other Novels
Among the most successful novels of Golding’s writing career was Pincher Martin. It was published in 1956. -
Retires From Teaching
Retires from teaching. Afterwards, he lives in Wiltshire. -
James Tait Black Memorial Prize
This prize was for the best work of fiction and the best biography published during the previous 12 months. They were the only major British book awards judged by scholars and students. -
Booker Prize
Rites of Passage was another one of Golding's successful novels. It was the winner of 1980 Booker McConnell Prize. -
Nobel Prize
Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. He wins this because of his "parables of the human condition". -
Knighted by Queen
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. This was done as a result of his contributions to literature. -
Journals
At his death, Golding leaves behind numerous volumes of daily journals (1971-1993). These recorded his innermost thoughts. -
Death
He dies in Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England. This is because his heart fails.