William Golding

Birth

Sep 19, 1911

William Golding was born on September 19, 1911, in Newquay, United Kingdom.

Early Education

Sep 1, 1916

William Golding received his early education at his father's school, Marlborough Grammar School. Golding attempted to write a novel at 12, but unfortunately, it was not a success.

First Literature Piece Published

Jan 22, 1934

In 1934, William Golding published his first piece of literature, which was a collection of poems simply titled Poems. However, critics largely overlooked the collection.

English Teacher and Philosopher

Jul 13, 1935

While his father had high hopes for William to become a scientist, he began to study English literature at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury instead, and soon became a teacher. This teaching experience served as inspiration for Lord of the Flies later on in his career.

Marriage

Sep 30, 1939

Golding married Ann Brookfield on September 30th, 1939. They had two children, Judith and David.

Royal Navy

Jun 28, 1940

After pressing pause on teaching, Golding joined the Royal Navy to participate in World War II. He spent the next 5 years of his life serving his nation and traveling on a boat and developed a lifelong romance with sailing and the sea. After this, he went back to teaching.

Lord of the Flies is Published

Sep 17, 1954

Golding's critically acclaimed classic, Lord of the Flies, was published on September 17, 1954.

Booker Prize

1980

In 1980, Golding was awarded the Booker Prize for the first novel in the 'To the Ends of the Earth' series, 'Rites of Passage.'

Nobel Prize

Oct 1, 1983

William Golding was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize for Literature at the age of 73, soon after the publishing of Lord of the Flies.

Death

Jun 19, 1993

William Golding died on June 19, 1993. He perished in the Tullimaar House, a mansion east of Perranarworthal, in west Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.