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Roald Dahl

Born

in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, The United Kingdom

September 13, 1916

Died

November 23, 1990

Website

https://www.roalddahl.com/

Genre

Children's Books, Literature & Fiction, Short Stories

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Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, poet and screenwriter, best known for his imaginative children's books, which combine fantastical adventures, dark humour and wonderfully eccentric characters. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led an eventful life marked by adventure, personal tragedy and remarkable literary success. His distinctive storytelling style and vivid imagination have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors of the twentieth century.

Before establishing himself as a writer, Dahl experienced an extraordinary range of adventures. During the Second World War, he served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF). In 1940, he suffered a serious crash in the Libyan de Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was a British novelist, short story writer, poet and screenwriter, best known for his imaginative children's books, which combine fantastical adventures, dark humour and wonderfully eccentric characters. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led an eventful life marked by adventure, personal tragedy and remarkable literary success. His distinctive storytelling style and vivid imagination have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors of the twentieth century.

Before establishing himself as a writer, Dahl experienced an extraordinary range of adventures. During the Second World War, he served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF). In 1940, he suffered a serious crash in the Libyan desert and sustained injuries that temporarily left him unable to fly. After recovering, he continued his military service, eventually working in Washington, D.C., where he began writing stories inspired in part by his wartime experiences. These early works were written primarily for adult audiences.

Dahl's children's books are characterised by their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, unexpected twists and a strong sense of justice. His stories frequently place clever, resourceful children in opposition to cruel, selfish or foolish adults, celebrating courage, kindness and independent thinking. Among his best-known works are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Witches. Blending fantasy, humour and occasional darkness, these stories have captivated generations of young readers.

Dahl was equally successful as a writer of adult fiction. His short stories are particularly renowned for their macabre humour, unexpected endings and often sinister twists. Many were originally published in magazines, including The New Yorker, and later collected in bestselling volumes such as Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss.

He also worked as a screenwriter, adapting literary works for the cinema and writing original screenplays. Among his credits are the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the screenplay for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, based on the novel by Ian Fleming.

Despite his considerable literary achievements, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial personality, known for his outspoken opinions and difficult temperament. Nevertheless, his books have continued to enjoy enormous popularity, inspiring numerous film, television and stage adaptations.

Roald Dahl died in 1990, but his literary legacy remains remarkably strong. His stories continue to be read by millions of children and adults around the world, celebrated for their originality, irreverence, humour and imaginative power. His work remains a testament to the enduring magic of storytelling and the importance of looking at the world with curiosity and a little mischief. ...more

Combine Editions
Roald Dahl’s books

Average rating: 4.15 · 4,921,413 ratings · 154,039 reviews · 1,636 distinct works • Similar authors

	Matilda 4.34 avg rating — 1,159,918 ratings — published 1988 — 536 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1) by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) 4.17 avg rating — 957,156 ratings — published 1964 — 759 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The BFG 4.23 avg rating — 543,810 ratings — published 1982 — 413 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	James and the Giant Peach 4.04 avg rating — 531,383 ratings — published 1961 — 389 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Witches 4.18 avg rating — 440,254 ratings — published 1983 — 385 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Twits by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) 3.96 avg rating — 158,855 ratings — published 1980 — 287 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator) 4.08 avg rating — 153,819 ratings — published 1970 — 359 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (Charlie Bucket, #2) by Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrations) 3.67 avg rating — 123,809 ratings — published 1972 — 312 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	George's Marvellous Medicine 4.02 avg rating — 102,806 ratings — published 1981 — 262 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Boy: Tales of Childhood (Roald Dahl's Autobiography, #1) 4.07 avg rating — 75,905 ratings — published 1984 — 188 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

More books by Roald Dahl…

Series by Roald Dahl

Charlie Bucket (2 books)
by

Roald Dahl,

Quentin Blake (Illustrations)

4.11 avg rating — 1,088,133 ratings

Roald Dahl's Autobiography (3 books)
by

Roald Dahl,

Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

4.08 avg rating — 116,196 ratings

Tales Of (8 books)
by

Roald Dahl

3.73 avg rating — 9,289 ratings

Revolting Recipes (9 books)
by

Roald Dahl,

Quentin Blake (illustrator)

3.96 avg rating — 3,770 ratings

Roald Dahl's Short Stories (2 books)
by

Roald Dahl

4.21 avg rating — 1,991 ratings

More series by Roald Dahl…

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