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Lord of the Flies

Author: William Golding
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

85 reviews
Sales Rank: 303

Media: Paperback
Edition: New Ed
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 0.7

ISBN: 0571191479
EAN: 9780571191475
ASIN: 0571191479

Publication Date: June 3, 2002
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new and in stock - usually dispatched within 48 hours and delivered 1st Class by Royal Mail from the UK. International Delivery is by Airmail.

Also Available In:

•	Audio CD - The Lord of the Flies (Penguin)
•	Paperback - Lord of the Flies
•	Hardcover - Lord of the Flies

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.co.uk Review
Lord of the Flies , William Golding's classic tale about a group of English schoolboys who are plane-wrecked on a deserted island, is just as chilling and relevant today as when it was first published in 1954. At first, the stranded boys cooperate, attempting to gather food, make shelters, and maintain signal fires. Overseeing their efforts are Ralph, "the boy with fair hair," and Piggy, Ralph's chubby, wisdom-dispensing sidekick whose thick spectacles come in handy for lighting fires. Although Ralph tries to impose order and delegate responsibility, there are many in their number who would rather swim, play, or hunt the island's wild pig population. Soon Ralph's rules are being ignored or challenged outright. His fiercest antagonist is Jack, the redheaded leader of the pig hunters, who manages to lure away many of the boys to join his band of painted savages. The situation deteriorates as the trappings of civilization continue to fall away, until Ralph discovers that instead of being hunters, he and Piggy have become the hunted: "He forgot his words, his hunger and thirst, and became fear; hopeless fear on flying feet." Golding's gripping novel explores the boundary between human reason and animal instinct, all on the brutal playing field of adolescent competition. --Jennifer Hubert

Customer Reviews: Read 80 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

A good education July 20, 2008
I found the 14 year olds perspective really interesting. I read this book for G.C.S.E. and loved it! admittedly I had read it several years before and found it O.K. Looking back I think I missed some of the finer points and the more gory bits put me off (I was about 10 and more interested in ponies at the time).

It is true to say that often studying a book can ruin it, destroying the magic of the story. but in my case study enriched the experience and helped me to understand some of the finer points. at the time I loved the way that understanding added new depths to the text.

I have just read it again and I still love it. one of the greatest things about LOTF is its ability to appeal to both a young and mature audience, and I was delighted to find that, like teaching, age also offers new angles of approach and fresh perspectives.

Having sung its praises I do feel that William Golding had an axe to grind when he was writing LOTF and there is an ever-present religious undertone that can get a bit monotonus. I think for this reason the book is better suited to younger readers and will be especially appreciated by those with a bit of nouse, who are able to see but not be dragged in by some of the books (arguably) outdated moral ideals that seem a little un-realistic. Similarly some of the more obvious analytical gems, such as the island as a microcosm of the world and the boys as representations of humanity get a bit dull and repetitive, but a bit of reading around will see you well rewarded.

For me LOTF remains a good story and an excellent introduction to textual analysis that is very rewarding no matter when you read it.

4 out of 5 stars

Another classic that lives up to its billing July 14, 2008
I always find it a little daunting finally getting round to reading a book that you've previously read and heard so much about. Obviously 'Lord of the Flies' has had a lot said about it, and I cannot but agree with most of it. It's psychologically on the button, delving into and really immersing you in the minds of a group of stranded young boys, and its political allegories are just as striking as Orwell's.
As such, there's not really much to add that hasn't already been said. It's a simple read, but it strikes deep. Golding says as little as possible with his words, but the thoughts he provokes are important ones, and ones that still sound true with us today, in this era of political bandstanding.

5 out of 5 stars

Great Book June 19, 2008
I have just finished my GCSEs and I had to study this book. This is a novel not to be missed. The plot, you'd think, is simple enough. Some young boys are stranded on an island in the middle of the war. But there are many hidden meanings within the story, those of dictatorship, savagery and the true but terrible understanding of the "Beast". I think Golding does a wonderful job in portraying each of the characters; Ralph, Jack, Piggy etc. This book was written as a response to "Corral Island" and Golding wished to show what he thought would happen if young boys were put on a tropical island, without adults to enforce law and order. Throughout the novel, you are able to witness the change the boys go through at being left to their own devices. There is constant rivalry between Jack and Ralph, which becomes more brutal and prominant.
This is a classic read and not to be missed!

5 out of 5 stars

A Must Read May 25, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I think this book is ruined for many people by it being forced upon them at school. Luckily I was one of the few that didn't have to read it, I chose to read it after reading The Inheritors and loving it.

Golding's prose style is deceptively simple and masks his true feel for the complexity of human emotion and interaction. This book is rather like watching a slow train crash, inexorable, horrible, and yet you're unable to turn your eyes away from it. The destruction of the world which forces the children onto the island in the first place is enacted in microcosm as the fragile society that Ralph as the elected leader tries to build is slowly eroded and descends into brutality, madness, violence and death.

It's not a cheery read, but it is brilliantly written, totally absorbing and you can see why it has become the classic it is.

4 out of 5 stars

Brilliant May 19, 2008
Had to read this to school and I've never loved reading a book thats been forced on me so much. The story is imaginative and questions the need for rules in society and the way people regress to savages without much help. The characters are persued well, considering the books length, and there are times when you feel the same as the boys in the story, you can connect and understand the aspects of human nature the whole way through. I suppose it is slightly dated but considering when it was written and the fact that class and society is a theme that's not surprising. A good book, a bit like vintage Battle Royale, read it.