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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 was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his story Roald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations. ...more

Combine Editions
Roald Dahl’s books

Average rating: 4.15 · 4,919,087 ratings · 153,893 reviews · 1,577 distinct works • Similar authors

	Matilda 4.34 avg rating — 1,159,278 ratings — published 1988 — 537 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 — 956,707 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 — 543,567 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 — 531,163 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 — 440,077 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 — 158,787 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 — 153,725 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 — 123,767 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 — 102,762 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 — 75,875 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 — 1,087,647 ratings

Roald Dahl's Autobiography (3 books)
by

Roald Dahl,

Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

4.08 avg rating — 116,139 ratings

Tales Of (8 books)
by

Roald Dahl

3.73 avg rating — 9,281 ratings

Revolting Recipes (9 books)
by

Roald Dahl,

Quentin Blake (illustrator)

3.96 avg rating — 3,769 ratings

Roald Dahl's Short Stories (2 books)
by

Roald Dahl

4.21 avg rating — 1,990 ratings

More series by Roald Dahl…

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