The Spire Novel by William GoldingPremium Off White Cream Pages Stitched Binding Matte Cover Local Premium Copy Language English Dimensions 5. 5 x 8. 26 inches Pages Amount 143 Summary The Spire (1964) is a medieval psychological novel by Nobel Prize winning author William Golding. Set in 14th century England, it tells the story of Dean Jocelin's obsessive quest to build a 400 foot spire atop a cathedral that lacks adequate foundations.