Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl (13 September 1916 – 23 November 1990) was a British author of popular children's literature and short stories, a poet, screenwriter and a wartime fighter ace. His books have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. He has been called "one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century".

Dahl was born in Wales to affluent Norwegian immigrant parents, and lived for most of his life in England. He served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He became a fighter pilot and subsequently an intelligence officer, rising to the rank of acting wing commander.

Dahl’s children’s books are known for their unsentimental, macabre, often darkly comic mood, featuring villainous adult enemies of the child characters, but they also champion the kindhearted and have an underlying warm sentiment. Some of his most popular works include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Twits, George's Marvellous Medicine, and Danny, the Champion of the World. He also wrote short stories for older audiences.

Dahl received many awards for his contribution to literature, including the 1983 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the British Book Awards' Children's Author of the Year in 1990. He remains one of the world’s best-selling authors.

Early life and education

Roald Dahl was born in 1916 in Cardiff, Wales, to Norwegian parents. His father was a successful businessman who had moved from Norway, and his mother came from a well-off Norwegian family. Dahl spoke Norwegian at home and was raised in the Lutheran tradition.

When Dahl was three, his older sister Astri passed away, and shortly after, his father also died. Despite these losses, Dahl’s mother chose to stay in Wales so that he and his sisters could attend English schools. At six years old, Dahl met author Beatrix Potter, who inspired him. He attended several schools, including Repton School, where he faced harsh treatment from teachers and older students. These experiences later influenced his writing. Dahl also enjoyed sports and had a passion for literature and photography. After school, he worked for Shell Petroleum and traveled to places like Kenya and Tanganyika.

Fighter pilot

In 1939, as World War II approached, Roald Dahl joined the Royal Air Force and began his training. After some basic flying lessons, he was sent to join a squadron. Unfortunately, during a flight in 1940, Dahl crashed in the desert after getting lost. He survived but was badly injured.

After recovering, Dahl returned to flying and took part in several battles. He flew with his squadron in Greece and helped defend against enemy planes. Even though the fighting was tough, Dahl showed great bravery during his time as a pilot.

Diplomat, writer and intelligence officer

After recovering from his injuries, Roald Dahl joined an RAF training camp in Uxbridge. He met an important official in London who sent him to work at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.. At first, Dahl did not like this job because he had just returned from the war where he saw many difficult things.

While in Washington, Dahl met other writers and worked to help Britain during the war. He shared stories from his time flying airplanes, which led to his first published article. Dahl also helped gather important information for leaders like Prime Minister Winston Churchill. After the war, Dahl left the RAF due to his injuries but kept the friends he made during his time serving his country.

Post-war life

Dahl married American actress Patricia Neal in 1953. They had five children and remained married for 30 years. In 1960, their son Theo was injured in an accident with a taxicab, leading Dahl to help develop a medical valve to aid children with a similar condition.

Tragedy struck when their daughter Olivia passed away from measles at age seven. This deeply affected Dahl, who later became a strong advocate for immunisation. In 1965, Patricia suffered serious health issues during pregnancy but recovered and returned to acting. In 1983, Dahl married Felicity d'Abreu Crosland after divorcing Patricia. He lived the rest of his life in Great Missenden, continuing to write beloved children’s books.

Writing

Roald Dahl began his writing career with a short story called "A Piece of Cake," inspired by meeting author C. S. Forester. His first children’s book, The Gremlins, featured mischievous creatures blamed by pilots for aircraft troubles. Dahl went on to write beloved children’s books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and James and the Giant Peach.

In addition to children’s books, Dahl wrote darkly humorous short stories for adults, earning awards from the Mystery Writers of America. Some of his stories were adapted into television episodes and films. Dahl’s writing often reflected his childhood experiences and influences, including authors like Beatrix Potter and Lewis Carroll.

Death and legacy

Roald Dahl passed away on 23 November 1990 in Oxford, England, at the age of 74. He was buried in the cemetery at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. Today, children still leave toys and flowers at his grave.

Many places and events honor Dahl’s memory. In 1996, the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery opened at the Buckinghamshire County Museum in Aylesbury. In Cardiff, Wales, a plaza named Roald Dahl Plass was established in 2002. Dahl’s charity work continues through Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which supports seriously ill children in Britain. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden welcomes visitors from around the world.

Dahl’s books remain hugely popular. They have sold over 300 million copies and been translated into 63 languages. He is celebrated as one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century. His stories continue to inspire filmmakers, authors, and readers everywhere.

Filmography

Roald Dahl contributed to many films both as a writer and in other roles. His work includes writing scripts for movies and appearing in some films, either as a presenter or in other capacities. While he is best known for his beloved children’s books, his influence extended into the world of cinema, showcasing his storytelling talent beyond the page.

Publications

Roald Dahl wrote many famous children’s books and short stories that have been loved by readers all over the world. His stories include characters like Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda from Matilda, and they have sold over 300 million copies. Dahl’s work has also been turned into successful films and plays, making him one of the most popular authors for children in the 20th century.