Roald Dahl
- Born:
- 13 September 1916, Llandaff, Wales
- Died:
- 23 November 1990, Oxford, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Author, Poet, Screenwriter, Fighter Pilot
Early Life and Education
- Roald Dahl was born in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, to Norwegian parents.
- He attended Llandaff Cathedral School and St Peter's boarding school.
- Dahl was later educated at Repton School in Derbyshire.
- After school, he joined the Shell Oil Company in Tanganyika (now Tanzania).
Career and Major Achievements
- During World War II, Dahl served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He achieved the rank of Acting Wing Commander.
- His first published work was "Shot Down Over Libya" in 1942.
- He became a full-time writer after the war, initially focusing on adult short stories.
- Roald Dahl achieved international acclaim for his children's books.
- He received several literary awards throughout his career.
Notable Works
- James and the Giant Peach (1961)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964)
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (1970)
- Matilda (1988)
- The BFG (1982)
- The Witches (1983)
- Numerous short story collections for adults, including Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected.
Film Adaptations of Roald Dahl's Works
Title | Year |
---|---|
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory | 1971 |
The Witches | 1990 |
James and the Giant Peach | 1996 |
Matilda | 1996 |
Fantastic Mr. Fox | 2009 |
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | 2005 |
The BFG | 2016 |
Roald Dahl's The Witches | 2020 |
Matilda the Musical | 2022 |
Legacy and Impact
Roald Dahl's inventive storytelling, dark humor, and memorable characters have made him one of the most beloved children's authors of all time. His works continue to be read and adapted worldwide. An analysis of his work, such as a 'roald dahl biography ks2 english' for younger students, often highlights his use of vivid language and his ability to create worlds that are both fantastical and relatable.