Roald Dahl
- Born:
- 13 September 1916, Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales
- Died:
- 23 November 1990, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Novelist, Poet, Screenwriter, Short Story Writer, Fighter Pilot
Early Life and Education
- Dahl was of Norwegian descent.
- He attended Llandaff Cathedral School, St Peter's Weston-super-Mare, and Repton School.
- After school, he joined Shell Oil Company in Tanganyika (now Tanzania).
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II.
- Began writing short stories, many based on his wartime experiences.
- Gained international recognition for his children's books, known for their dark humor and inventive plots.
Notable Works
- James and the Giant Peach (1961)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)
- Fantastic Mr Fox (1970)
- Matilda (1988)
- The BFG (1982)
- Adult short story collections, including Kiss Kiss and Someone Like You.
Filmography (Selected Adaptations)
| Year | Title | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory |
| 1996 | Matilda | Matilda |
| 2005 | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory |
| 2009 | Fantastic Mr. Fox | Fantastic Mr Fox |
| 2022 | Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical | Matilda |
Legacy and Impact
Roald Dahl is considered one of the most successful children's writers of all time. His books have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into films, stage productions, and other media. The enduring popularity of books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and others ensure that new generations will be introduced to his work. While some of his work has been the subject of discussion regarding its appropriateness in a modern context, the body of work represented by something like 'the life of roald dahl book' cannot be ignored.