Above: 2016 BBC documentary, ‘The Marvellous World of Roald Dahl’.
Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer, and poet. He was born on September 13, 1916 in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents. Dahl’s father, Harald, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Sofie, was a homemaker. Dahl had a happy childhood, spending his days playing in the countryside and attending a local school.
Dahl’s writing career began in 1942, when in adulthood he joined the Royal Air Force. While serving in the war, he wrote stories about his experiences, which were published in various magazines. After the war, Dahl continued to write, and in 1953, he published his first children’s book, “James and the Giant Peach.” The book was a huge success, and Dahl quickly established himself as one of the most popular children’s authors of his time.
Dahl’s most famous works include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The BFG,” and “Matilda.” These books have been translated into numerous languages and have been adapted into films, plays, and more. Dahl’s books are known for their imaginative plots and lovable characters, as well as their underlying themes of friendship, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil.
Despite his success as a writer, Dahl faced many challenges in his personal life. He was married twice and had five children, but several of his children and his first wife passed away. Dahl also suffered from health problems, including a hip injury that left him using a wheelchair for the latter part of his life.
Despite these challenges, Dahl continued to write a long list of books for both children and adults, and was beloved by readers around the world. He died on November 23, 1990, at the age of 74, but his legacy lives on through his beloved books.
See also the complete timeline of his life.