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William Golding's Birth
William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. He was raised in a 14th-century house next door to a graveyard. -
First attempt of writing a novel
William received his early education at the school his father ran, Marlborough Grammar School. When William was just 12 years old, he attempted, unsuccessfully, to write a novel. -
Studying science
William started Brasenose College at Oxford University, studying Science. His father wanted him to study it. -
Studying English Literature
After two years, he changed his science study to the English Literature study. Golding dreamed of writing poetry, he liked it way more than science. -
Graduation
In 1935, he graduated from Oxford with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a diploma in education. -
Teaching
In 1939, William Golding had a new job. He started teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordworth’s School in Salisbury. -
Marriage
William Golding married Ann Brookfield, with whom he had two children. She's an analytic chemist. -
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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, -
Back to the usual life
After the war, William Golding was free to do his old hobbies. He was able to write again and he also went back to teach. -
First publication: Lord of The Flies
After 21 rejections, William Golding published his first novel, called Lord of The Flies. In that time it was not a good success, but soon it became a big bestseller. -
Retiring from teaching
William Golding became a full-time writer, he wanted more time and had to quit teaching. So in 1962 he gave up on teaching. -
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. -
Nobel Prize for Literature!
At the age of 73, William Golding was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize for Literature. -
The death
William Golding died of an heart attack in Perranarwortha, Cornwall. After he passed away, his completed manuscript for The Double Tongue was published posthumously.
