Golding treasures mapped

Cornwall’s most famous literary son, Sir William Golding, left unpublished at his death in 1993 a number of writings, including novels, a piece of science fiction, and extensive notes towards an autobiography. Professor John Carey, who has recently published the first biography of Golding, will refer some of these sources at the University of Exeter’s annual William Golding Memorial Lecture. This is to be held at the Cornwall Campus (known locally as Tremough) on 26 January at 6pm. His title is ‘Bill and Mollie: An Unwritten Episode’.

Professor Tim Kendall, Head of the University’s Department of English, explains, ‘Mollie was engaged to Golding before he left her for his future wife.  She was the inspiration for Mary in Pincher Martin (1956), and for Beatrice in Free Fall (1959).’

The annual lecture series is part of a collaboration with William Golding Limited, a private company founded by Golding in 1961 and run by the Golding family. It enhances research carried out in the University’s Centre for South West Writing and the recently established Centre for Literatures of Identity and Place on the University’s Cornwall Campus.

Further connections are being developed through the University’s Special Collection archives, which holds materials from Golding about his best-known novel, Lord of the Flies, and the making of Peter Brook’s film. 

The William Golding Lecture is free of charge and open to members of the public, who are requested to register via email wgoldinglecture@exeter.ac.uk or call 01326 371 898.

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