From Rejection to Classic: The Letters Behind 'Lord of the Flies'

The novel 'Lord of the Flies' was rejected up to 20 times before being published. Newly released letters show how a young editor's faith saved it. William Golding submitted a worn manuscript to publisher Faber in 1953. An internal reader called it "rubbish and dull." But editor Charles Monteith saw potential. Monteith suggested major cuts and revisions. Golding, a schoolteacher, agreed completely. The heavily edited book became a worldwide classic taught in schools. Their professional relationship lasted 40 years. Early letters were formal, but they became close friends. Golding trusted Monteith deeply. "For the next few years, Monteith was gently encouraging. He later gave tougher feedback on Golding's later novels. But the author never considered leaving Faber. "I've always had a feeling of you there," Golding wrote to his editor, "present but not breathing down my neck!"