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Selected Stories of Roald Dahl
Selected Stories of Roald Dahl combines stories from two previously published volumes, Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. A pungent blend of the macabre and the humorous, Mr. Dahl's stories are guaranteed to keep the reader in a state of delightfully horrified surprise. They are the work of a superb craftsman; and beyond that, reveal the subtly seasoned mind of a social satirist and moralist.
In print from 1968-1975, this was the only edition of the book from Modern Library.
Contains:
“Dip in the Pool”
“Genesis and Catastrophe”
“Georgy Porgy”
“Lamb to the Slaughter”
“Mr. Feasey”
“Mr. Hoddy”
“Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat”
“Parson’s Pleasure”
“Royal Jelly”
“Rummins”
“Skin”
“Taste”
“The Champion of the World”
“The Landlady”
“The Ratcatcher”
In print from 1968-1975, this was the only edition of the book from Modern Library.
Contains:
“Dip in the Pool”
“Genesis and Catastrophe”
“Georgy Porgy”
“Lamb to the Slaughter”
“Mr. Feasey”
“Mr. Hoddy”
“Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat”
“Parson’s Pleasure”
“Royal Jelly”
“Rummins”
“Skin”
“Taste”
“The Champion of the World”
“The Landlady”
“The Ratcatcher”
- GenresShort StoriesHorror
302 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1968
4 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Roald Dahl
1,506 books26.9k followersRoald 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 9, 2026
Dahl writes clever adult stories including crime, horror, and humor. I laughed out loud several times while reading, along with issuing a few guffaws. His stories remind me of those by John "Fancies and Goodnights" Collier. One of the stories was adapted as a famous episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. One of the stories went over my head because of the peculiarities of the British vernacular.
August 5, 2024
Very enjoyable. Loved that they were creepy and kept building up a sense of apprehension and dread without being violent or gruesome. On my list now to read the complete books that these stories were picked.
Currently reading
October 7, 2008Some stories are entertaining, some are a little...anticlimatic. May be time to move on to the next book.
April 21, 2020
Entertaining short stories
March 7, 2022
His short stories are NOT for children but I love them.
September 7, 2025
The last story is a preliminary short-story and seedier and more grown up version of "Danny the Champion of the World" and should be read by every Roald Dahl completionist.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews