Biographical sketch -- The story behind the story -- List of characters -- Summary and analysis -- Critical views -- William Golding on the work as a fable -- E.M. Forster's introduction to Lord of the flies -- Frederick R. Karl on the metaphysical novels of William Golding -- Frank Kermode on William Golding and the "programme" of the novel -- Harry H. Taylor on the case against William Golding's Simon-Piggy -- Eugene Hollahan on running in circles: a major motif in Lord of the flies -- Kathleen Woodward on aggression -- S.J. Boyd on the nature of the beast -- Lawrence S. Friedman on the inability to alter human nature -- Stefan Hawlin on the savages in the forest: decolonising William Golding -- James R. Baker on Golding and Huxley: the fables of demonic possession -- Paul Crawford on literature of atrocity: Lord of the flies and The inheritors -- Works by William Golding.