William Golding

Date of Birth: September 19, 1911

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: June 19, 1993

Biography

Sir William Gerald Golding was an English novelist, playwright, and poet, best known for his novel “Lord of the Flies”. Born in Cornwall, England, Golding’s early life was influenced by his father, a schoolmaster, and his mother, a suffragette. He attended Marlborough Grammar School and later studied natural sciences and English at Brasenose College, Oxford. During World War II, Golding served in the Royal Navy, an experience that greatly influenced his writing. His debut novel, “Lord of the Flies” (1954), gained critical acclaim and established him as a significant literary figure. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983 for his works that illuminate the human condition. Golding continued to write until his death, producing novels, essays, and plays that explore the darker aspects of human nature.

5 Interesting Facts about William Golding

1. “Lord of the Flies” was initially rejected by 21 publishers before being published.

2. Golding’s experiences in World War II, particularly the D-Day landings, profoundly impacted his perspective on humanity.

3. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.

4. Golding was also a schoolteacher and taught English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury.

5. His other notable works include “The Inheritors” (1955), “Pincher Martin” (1956), and “Rites of Passage” (1980), the latter of which won the Booker Prize.