About
Roald Dahl, born in Wales to Norwegian parents, became one of the most famous children's authors of the 20th century. After studying at Repton, he worked for Shell in Africa, then joined the Royal Air Force during World War II. His first published story recounted a plane crash. Encouraged by C.S. Forester, he took up writing. He first achieved success with short stories for adults, then turned to children's literature, creating classics such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and The BFG. His books, illustrated by Quentin Blake, have sold over 300 million copies. Dahl also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. He died in 1990.
* 1916-09-13 — † 1990-11-23
Major works
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)novel
- James and the Giant Peach (1961)novel
- Matilda (1988)novel
- The BFG (1982)novel
- The Witches (1983)novel
Key milestones
- 1942Publishes his first story in the Saturday Evening Post, recounting his plane crash.
- 1953Marries American actress Patricia Neal.
- 2005Opening of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden.
Themes
ChildhoodImaginationJusticeDark humorAdventure
Sources: britannica.com · poetryfoundation.org · roalddahlmuseum.org
