Uncovering a Rare Early Version of Lord of the Flies
In a groundbreaking exhibition set to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the publication of Sir William Golding’s iconic novel, Lord of the Flies, a rare and unique early version of the manuscript will be unveiled to the public. The original version, which was discovered in a school exercise book with the cover torn off, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this timeless literary work.
Unlike the familiar narrative of a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island, the early version of Lord of the Flies begins with a gripping account of the boys being evacuated amidst a nuclear war, only to have their plane shot down in an aerial battle. This alternate beginning sheds new light on the dark societal themes that run throughout the novel, providing a fresh perspective on Golding’s exploration of human nature and civilization.
A Glimpse into Golding’s Creative Process
The exhibition, which will be held at the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum in the Old Library of the University of Exeter, will not only showcase the rare early version of Lord of the Flies but also feature a collection of Golding’s manuscripts, notebooks, and letters. These artifacts offer a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the creative process of a Nobel prize-winning author and gain insight into the evolution of his most famous work.
Golding’s daughter, Judy Carver, expressed her gratitude to the University of Exeter for their care of the manuscripts and typescripts on loan for the exhibition. She emphasized the importance of making these materials accessible to a wider audience, allowing readers and scholars alike to appreciate the careful work that has brought the exhibition contents to public view.
From Manuscript to Masterpiece
Despite facing numerous rejections from publishers, Golding’s novel was eventually discovered by a junior editor at Faber and Faber, leading to its publication in 1954 and subsequent overnight success. The exhibit will feature letters exchanged between Golding and the editor who helped bring Lord of the Flies to fruition, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the author’s journey to literary acclaim.
Caroline Walter, the interim head of heritage collections at the University of Exeter, described the exhibition as an exciting opportunity to unite archival material from two distinct collections in the southwest, shedding light on Golding’s creative journey and enriching the literary heritage of the region. The display panels across Exeter and the free public events planned for the autumn aim to engage the community and spark interest in Golding’s work.
Legacy and Adaptations
In addition to Lord of the Flies, Golding went on to write several other acclaimed novels, including The Inheritors, Pincher Martin, and Free Fall, along with Rites of Passage, which earned him the prestigious Booker Prize. His first novel has been adapted into films in 1963 and 1990, with a new television adaptation in the works by the BBC, staying true to the original story of savagery and the darker aspects of human nature.
Written by Jack Thorne of His Dark Materials fame, the new adaptation is currently being filmed in Malaysia with a young cast, promising to capture the essence of Golding’s timeless tale. As Golding’s literary legacy continues to captivate audiences around the world, the exhibition at the University of Exeter serves as a tribute to his enduring impact on literature and society.