Golding, William (1954) ‘Lord of the Flies’, UK first edition with signature

William Golding (1954) Lord of the Flies. The true UK first edition and first printing, published by Faber and Faber. One of the defining landmark novels of 20th century fiction. A hand signed autograph is loosely laid in.

Condition of the book: at least very good. There are no previous owners’ inscriptions, no bookplates and no stamps inside the book. No foxing. The boards are red and vibrant in their colour. The lettering on the spine is NOT rubbed out as often seen. Usual toning to paper commensurate with age. The first state dust jacket is NOT price clipped bearing the 12s 6d net price as called for, and features the following: the ‘John O’ London’s Book Of The Month’ blurb on the front flap, and the rear flap of dust jacket is completely devoted to review blurbs for the book ‘Christ Recrucified’ by Nikos Kazantzakis. The jacket is very good with no pieces missing and no tears. A little edge wear as shown, toned with minor soiling. The spine has been strengthened by brown tape. This could be professionaly removed.

William Golding’s signature is handwritten by the author underneath a small card reproduction of a portrait painting by Adrian George (1986), located in the National Portrait Gallery.

The book contributed greatly to Golding’s 1983 Nobel Prize in Literature and regularly features the top 100 lists of the greatest novels of the 20th century. It is read in schools, a timeless classic, and inspiration for generations of aspiring authors (Stephen King named it his number one pick).

The first print run was with about 3,000 copies very low and the book initially a slow sale. When EM Forster gave his seal of approval calling the novel “not only a first-rate adventure but a parable of our times” sales picked up. With the 1963 film adaptation interest in Golding increased substantially. Eventually, the book sold over ten million copies, with over 100,000 copies sold annually!

The publication history is of great interest. ‘Lord of the Flies’ was rejected multiple times and it would have been rejected by Faber and Faber as well when young Charles Monteith saw the potential, and convinced Golding to cut the initial first chapter and to rewrite certain sections.