Lord of the Flies

By William Golding

Book Overview

The classic novel by William Golding
With a new Introduction by Stephen King

"To me Lord of the Flies has always represented what novels are for, what makes them indispensable." -Stephen King

Golding's classic, startling, and perennially bestselling portrait of human nature remains as provocative today as when it was first published. This beautiful new edition features French flaps and rough fronts, making it a must-have for fans of this seminal work.

William Golding's compelling story about a group of very ordinary small boys marooned on a coral island has become a modern classic. At first it seems as though it is all going to be great fun; but the fun before long becomes furious and life on the island turns into a nightmare of panic and death. As ordinary standards of behaviour collapse, the whole world the boys know collapses with them--the world of cricket and homework and adventure stories--and another world is revealed beneath, primitive and terrible.

Lord of the Flies remains as provocative today as when it was first published in 1954, igniting passionate debate with its startling, brutal portrait of human nature. Though critically acclaimed, it was largely ignored upon its initial publication. Yet soon it became a cult favorite among both students and literary critics who compared it to J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye in its influence on modern thought and literature.

Labeled a parable, an allegory, a myth, a morality tale, a parody, a political treatise, even a vision of the apocalypse, Lord of the Flies has established itself as a true classic.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399537422
• ISBN13: 9780399537424
• Release Date: November 2011
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

“Very good condition”

Wouldn’t say that it’s in very good condition. Pretty rough shape very old copy.

A classic good read

As someone who is picky with fiction, I genuinely enjoyed every part of this book; I rarely found myself bored and loved reading all the annotations left my the previous reader, it made it so much more immersive and fun

A really enjoyable book

English is not my native language, but now I see why they recommend this book to students. It was really really worth it for me to give it a try.

Mixed feelings

This book pulls at so many different emotions. I couldn't stop myself from reading it once I started reading it. The ending was mind provoking.

Excellent book.

Brilliant example of hiw a dominance hierarchy might develope in the absence of rule of law. Even my 8 year old son understood that point. Great story for all ages. I also recommend the audio version as there is a great preface about the book by the author himself.

Great story

Great book, really breaks down the characters personalities and carries your attention to the end.

Sooo Good!

This was a required book for my lit class. I enjoyed it so much I regret not buying a copy. Even the kids who don't usually enjoy reading books for class enjoyed this book.

High School

Many of us were forced to read this novel in High School English class. I am glad I had to read this book, it made me think, but I remember it being gruesome as well!!