Roald Dahl

Best-selling author of children's books

Born:

1916

Died:

1990

Place of Birth:

Cardiff

Trivia:

The model Sophie Dahl is his granddaughter.

Biography:

Author of many of the UK's favourite children's books, Roald Dahl created magical worlds with a dark undercurrent in classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG.

See a slideshow to celebrate Roald Dahl Day on what would have been his 90th birthday.

He was born to Norwegian parents in the Llandaff district of Cardiff, where his father Harald had settled after coming to the city in the 1880s to found a ship-brokering business.

Dahl was just three when his father died, leaving his mother Sofie with six children to bring up.

His childhood took an unhappy turn when he was sent to the local prep school at the age of nine.

In his autobiography Boy: Tales of Childhood, Dahl revealed that his only happy memories of Llandaff Cathedral School were his trips to the local sweet shop - a likely inspiration for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.

Dahl was then sent to Repton public school, where he turned to books as an escape from bullying, becoming an avid reader.

On leaving school at the age of 18 he joined the Shell oil company in the hope of a posting abroad, and was sent in 1938 to Dar es Salaam in the African colony of Tanganyika (now Tanzania).

When war broke out, Dahl served as a fighter pilot, surviving a near-fatal crash in north Africa.

The experience inspired his first published short story, Shot Down Over Libya in 1942.

Other short stories followed, some based on his wartime experiences with others revealing a preference for bizarre events and twists, as featured in his 1970s TV series Tales of the Unexpected.

But Dahl is best remembered - and wanted to be remembered - for his children's books.

Classic tales such as James and the Giant Peach emerged from off-the-cuff bedtime stories he would tell his daughters Olivia and Tessa.

His writing for children has been praised for its unpatronising style, with youngsters adoring the grotesque elements reminiscent of the hags and trolls of Norwegian folklore.

Dahl died of a rare blood disorder at the age of 74 in November 1990, but is still remembered fondly by British book fans who voted him the UK's best author in a poll to mark World Book Day in 2000.

He is also honoured in his native city, where the Oval Basin in Cardiff Bay is now known as Roald Dahl Plass.

The site is just a stone's throw from the rebuilt Norwegian Church where his parents once worshipped and he himself was christened.

See a panoramic view of the Norwegian Church

Moment of Glory:

Which one of many? Probably winning the 1983 Whitbread Prize for The Witches.

your comments

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Nancy Clarke, Broughton
I love Roald Dahl. I think he is a fantastic author who brings me to tears of joy and laughter everytime I read his novels. My favourite book by him is George's Marvelous Medicine.

Keysha
I think you are a really good author ... and I think Matilda was my favorite book of yours. I really enjoy reading your books a lot because they are funny and some just give good advice to young children. I really like the fact that you care for children.

Poppy
He is absolutely great, I love the way he grabs the reader's attention and makes the story funny. Love the books!

Abbie Holmes from Liverpool
I think the BFG is fab - I love the way it is.

Amy from San Jose, Costa Rica
I think Witches is the best.

Brittany Canning, Exeter Ca
Ever since i was little, (5) i loved to read his books. it is 10 years later and i love his books. I hope they make a movie of the BFG. thats mt favorite

Niamh Rocks
Well i think this book is superb, he manages to capture the theme of magic and imagination. It remind me of my soul mate, Nathan, he can always find the bright side as does Roald Dahl. his books are immense.

Mandy
Roald Dahl's books are great. I think that his best books ever written are the BFG, Matilda and Going Solo. I also think that Matilda relates to me because I am a book worm. Roald Dahl really knew how a child feels and how to make one laugh. I love Roald Dahl books!

Kathryn and Rachael from Belfast
We love Roald Dahl. The Twits and The Witches are the greatest books EVER!!!

Emily Davis, Cwmbran
This man is wicked - I've read just some of his books and I think they're the best books I've read. I've nearly finished all of his books. He's a star.

Taylor Dickson from Oxford
I think that the BFG is the best book by Roald Dahl because it's got animated characters in.

Debra Bertulis, Herefordshire
I still read Roald's books, even though I am now 47! As with all great stories, you rarely know what is going to happen next. I am just as fascinated by the author himself as with his stories...I can imagine him to have been quite a charismatic man, funny but slightly melancholy. We were truly enriched by a visit to the museum at Great Missenden recently. We read a lot, laughed, felt sad at times, inspired and took away something that would be impossible to buy. So sad there will be more words. I never knew him and yet I miss him.

Charliegh Skene from Langstone
I love Roald Dahl to bits - I have read everything about him. I even listened (for once) in class when we were studying him.

Melissa again from Bulton
Still love his books and I'm 13 now!! xx

Danielle Boulby
I love your books they are so funny

Grace Parsons from Australia
I love Roald Dahl I think he was the best author! He is so cool and he uses so much detail in his writing that he amazes me how he does it. HE'S THE BEST!!

Chloe Gallagher from Newcastle
You have good books.

Mini from Loughton
Roald Dahl is a great author and has some great novels.

vantasia
I loved charlie and the chocolate factory

Mellie age 4
i think roald dahl is really good.

Rosanna Fairholm
I think Roald Dahl a very sexy man especially in later life. He aged extremely well and I enjoy looking at him!

Lucy Bremner Peebles
I think Roald Dahl has had a very successful life and accomplished many goals that most men can only dream of. I really think he is a nice man and many people can relate to him and understand his personality. He is a very talented writer and has written many great books. All children enjoy his books and every one would call Roald Dahl a classic author.

blag man from thailand
Am very happy to read Roald Dahl's BFG and like to tell him myself that it's good for children around the world

Lea Abergael aged 9
I think Roald Dahl understands what children find entertaining to read.

Patty from Washington
Roald Dahl was an amazing writer, and it is such a shame he had to pass away. His short stories are great, and his children's stories are funny and really fun to read. Am looking forward to watching Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.

Kathryn from Salt Lake City
Roald Dahl is world famous and certainly delights children from coast to coast.

Victoria Courtenay, Brighton
I think Roald Dahl is the greatest author in the world and I love the BFG.

Fergal Duffin from Magherafelt
I comepletely fell in love with him,his books and his nifty catch phrases. he's so cooooooooolllllll.

Jack
It's a tragedy that the world's greatest author does not get greater recognition in the city of his birth.

Hatton Hill School from Merseyside
In our year 2 class we are reading The BFG. We are really enjoying it. We like his stories because he uses his imagination and they are funny. Sometimes his stories are cruel or scary but we like them because they have happy endings. We particulary like The BFG because he is kind and looks after Sophie. We will look forward to reading more of his stories soon.

D.Francois
I like reading his books and my favourite at the moment is 'The BFG'

rachael newberry from belfast
i think that roald dahl is a great writer for children of all ages

jordan-ray
your books are the best

Mairi Oliver from Aberdeen
He's one of my favourite authors. His books are so thrilling and exciting. I wish every author could write like him!!

Shirley from London
My 6 year old can't wait for bedtime these days as we are currently reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He loves the Oompa Loompas and can't wait to see the film. My favourite childhood book is Danny The Champion of the World, which I'm looking forward to sharing with my son after we've finished the Chocolate Factory. Roald Dahl's books are so original,funny and touching. He had an amazing talent for creating such extraordinary characters that evoke such varying emotions in the reader! His underlying messages are very clear and perhaps why he outshines most other children's authors!

Anneka Leamington Spa
I grew up with my mother reading me Roald Dahl books, i addored them, my favourite had to be the BFG i realy enjoyed the film too. When i have children i will let them grow up by hearing Roald Dahl books.

Ashleih from Belfast
Hi I really liked Matilda the book. Im twelve and I still read it.

Kaitlin age 11
He was a great person and I loved all of his books , especially The BFG , The Twits, and The Witches.

Melissa Goodrich from Manchester
I think roald dahl is a BRILLIANT writer . He is so amazing making childrens novels. My favourite is James and the giant peach . I love the film also!! from Melissa Goodrich

Melissa Goodrich from Radcliffe
I think he has very good writing skills - he writes very good books. My favourite is James and the Giant Peach!! From Melissa, age 11.

B from South Wales
I'm 22 and still I love watching and reading Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. Everytime I find something new to entertain me.

Monique from Missouri, USA.
Roald Dahl's books are soooo amazing and funny!!!

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