William Golding's Lord of the Flies is an adventure story about a group of schoolboys stranded on a deserted island. In this valuable literary reference guide, Harold Bloom explores the dark side of humanity and the savagery that surfaces when social structure is broken down. The book examines how rules, ideals, and values are lost.

This edition includes critical essays reflecting a variety of schools of criticism, notes on the contributing critics, and a chronology of the author's life. An introductory essay by Harold Bloom provides insightful perspectives.