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Birth
William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England. The 14th century house that he was raised in was located next to a graveyard. He was raised by both his mother, Mildred, and his father, Alex. (Biography.com) -
Early education
William was educated at Marlborough Grammar School which was ran by his father, Alex. Williams first attempt at writing a novel, at the age of 12, was unsuccessful. (Biography.com) -
Higher Education
After finishing primary school, William attended Brasenose College at Oxford University. Even though his father wanted William to become a scientist, William studied English literature instead. (Cliffsnotes.com) -
Publication of First Work
A year before he graduated college, Golding published his first work, a poetry book entitled Poems. (Biography.com) -
Teaching
After working in settlement houses and the theater for some time, Golding decided to follow in his fathers footsteps and become a teacher. William Golding got hired to teach English and philosophy at a school in Salisbury called Bishop Wordsworth's School. (Cliffsnotes.com) -
Royal Navy
Just 5 years after becoming a teacher, William Golding temporarily abandoned his position to join the Royal Navy and fight in World War 2. Golding spent the next 6 years on a boat where he developed a long lasting romance for sailing and the sea. During this period of his life, he fought battleships and also fended off submarines and planes. (Biography.com) -
After WW2
After World War 2 had ended, William Golding went back to his old way of living. Golding continued with teaching and writing. (Biography.com) -
First Novel
After 21 rejections, William Golding published Lord of the Flies. This was his first and most acclaimed novel. (Biography.com) -
Nobel Prize
William Golding was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature two decades after retiring from teaching. (Biography.com) -
Death
The last couple years of his life, Golding spent with his wife, Ann Brookefield. During these years, he continued with his writing. Unfortunately, Golding passed away of a heart attack in Perranarworthal, Cornwall. (Biography.com)
