NAME Roald Dahl. He was named after Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Roald Dahl was a renowned and beloved children's author, known for his imaginative and often darkly humorous stories.
BIRTH Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Roald Dahl was born to Norwegian parents, Harald and Sofie Magdalene Dahl. His father, a prosperous shipbroker who had emigrated to the UK from Sarpsborg, Norway, also had two older children, Louis and Ellen, from a previous marriage. Roald had four sisters: Astri, Alfhild, Else, and Asta.
Tragedy struck the Dahl family early on. When Roald was just three years old, his older sister Astri succumbed to appendicitis. This devastating loss was compounded by the sudden death of his father from pneumonia a few weeks later, leaving Sofie to raise her children alone in Wales, fulfilling her husband's wish for them to receive an English education.
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| Roald age 10 with his sisters Alfhild, Else and Asta. Cardiff, 1927. |
CHILDHOOD Despite his early losses, Dahl's childhood had its joys. His mother, a gifted storyteller with a remarkable memory, captivated young Roald with tales of Norwegian folklore, including trolls and other mythical creatures. This undoubtedly influenced his own imaginative storytelling later in life.
Dahl's first language was Norwegian, spoken at home. He developed a strong love for reading, particularly the adventure novels of Rudyard Kipling and H. Rider Haggard.
His early sense of humor emerged when, at age eight, he and his friends orchestrated the Great Mouse Plot of 1924, placing a dead mouse in a sweet jar as a prank.
EDUCATION Roald's formal education began at Llandaff Cathedral School, but he only attended for two years. He then moved to St. Peter's Preparatory School in Weston-super-Mare, where he endured a challenging boarding school experience, finding many teachers to be cruel and facing frequent corporal punishment.
At the age of 13, Dahl transferred to Repton Public School in Derbyshire. While he excelled in sports, especially cricket and swimming, his academic performance was less impressive. His English master even remarked that he lacked the ability to express himself effectively in writing.
Despite these academic struggles, Repton provided a crucial inspiration for his future work. The school's proximity to the Cadbury chocolate factory, where students were occasionally invited to sample new products, undoubtedly played a role in the creation of his beloved novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
CAREER RECORD Began his career as a Shell-Mex and BP employee in Africa.
Served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II.
Started writing short stories for magazines like The New Yorker.
Gained fame as a children's author with books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
APPEARANCE Roald Dahl was a remarkably tall man, towering at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters). During his service in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, his exceptional height earned him the nickname "Lofty."
Dahl's appearance was quite distinctive, extending beyond his height. In The BFG, one of his beloved children's books, he provides a vivid description of the giant: "Sophie caught a glimpse of an enormous long pale wrinkly face with the most enormous ears. The nose was as sharp as a knife, and above there were two bright flashing eyes." While this describes a fictional character, some speculate that Dahl drew inspiration from his own unique features, particularly his height. This physical distinctiveness likely contributed to his ability to create larger-than-life characters that captivated the imaginations of children worldwide.
Dahl's height was unusual for his time, especially for a fighter pilot. This unique physical trait undoubtedly set him apart throughout his life, becoming an integral part of his persona, both as a writer and in his personal life.
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| Dahl in 1954 |
FASHION He dressed simply, favoring practical and comfortable clothing. Dahl was often seen wearing a tweed jacket and a pipe.
CHARACTER Dahl's character was marked by contradictions. He could be kind and generous, yet also cruel and insensitive. As his biographer Jeremy Treglown observed, "Many people loved him and had reason to be grateful to him; many – some of them the same people – frankly detested him."
His early life experiences, including the loss of his father and sister at a young age and the challenges of boarding school, likely contributed to the complexities of his personality. These experiences also deeply influenced his writing, often resulting in stories with dark undertones and morally ambiguous characters.
In his professional life, Dahl was determined and resourceful, traits that undoubtedly contributed to his success as an author. However, he could also be boastful and egotistical about his achievements.
Despite his flaws, Dahl's enduring legacy rests on his ability to create magical worlds and unforgettable characters that continue to captivate readers worldwide. This enduring appeal serves as a testament to the duality of his nature – a man capable of both charm and controversy,
SENSE OF HUMOUR Roald Dahl's writing was undeniably shaped by his unique sense of humor, a blend of darkness, wordplay, and absurdity that resonated with both children and adults.
1. Dahl wasn't afraid to delve into the macabre. His stories often featured gruesome details and unsettling imagery, a stark contrast to the more sanitized fare typically found in children's literature. For instance, in The Witches, he provides vivid, grotesque descriptions of the witches' physical appearances, including their bald, red-spotted heads and toe-less feet. This dark humor, however, was cleverly balanced with lighter elements, creating a unique and captivating blend.
2. Dahl was a master of language. He delighted in inventing nonsense words, crafting witty puns, creating humorous character names, and employing alliteration and onomatopoeia with masterful effect. One example of his linguistic creativity can be found in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where he introduces the concept of "Square sweets that look round."
In this scene, Willy Wonka presents the children with a confectionery conundrum:
"'There you are!' cried Mr Wonka. 'Square sweets that look round!'
'They don't look round to me,' said Mike Teavee. 'They look square,' said Veruca Salt. 'They look completely square.'
'But they are square,' said Mr Wonka. 'I never said they weren't.'
'You said they were round!' said Veruca Salt.
'I never said anything of the sort,' said Mr Wonka. 'I said they looked round.'"
This exchange showcases Dahl's clever use of wordplay, exploiting the dual meaning of "round" - both as a shape and as a way of saying "to look around."
3. Dahl embraced the absurd. He believed that children have an inherent fascination with "disgusting stories," a belief reflected in his creation of scenarios that were both revolting and hilarious. This approach served a dual purpose: it allowed children to vicariously experience the grotesque while simultaneously feeling a sense of superiority over the depicted events.
4. Dahl's writing was often laced with sarcasm and irony. He frequently employed a sly, knowing tone, inviting the reader to share in his amusement at the expense of certain characters or situations. This sophisticated use of humor appealed to adults as well as children, contributing significantly to the enduring popularity of his works.
RELATIONSHIPS Roald Dahl was married twice.
Dahl married American actress Patricia Neal on July 2, 1953, at Trinity Church in New York City.
They had five children: Olivia Twenty (who tragically died at the age of seven), Tessa, Theo, Ophelia, and Lucy. Tessa is the mother of author and model Sophie Dahl, after whom the character Sophie in The BFG is named.
Their marriage faced significant challenges, particularly following Neal's series of strokes in the mid-1960s. They ultimately divorced in 1983.
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| Patricia Neal and Roald Dahl in April 1954 |
Shortly after his divorce from Neal, Dahl married Felicity d'Abreu Crosland on June 2, 1983, at Brixton Town Hall in South London. Felicity, often referred to as "Liccy," was a set designer who became an integral part of Dahl's life. They resided together at Gipsy House, Dahl's home in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, until his death in 1990.
Dahl's relationships and family life undoubtedly influenced his writing, particularly his children's books, which often explored themes of family, childhood, and the complexities of human relationships.
MONEY AND FAME Roald Dahl's wealth and fame have grown significantly throughout his life and continue to expand posthumously, solidifying his position as one of the most successful children's authors of all time.
At the time of his death in 1990, Roald Dahl's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million. This wealth was primarily generated through his prolific writing career, spanning decades and encompassing both children's books and adult fiction. His books had already achieved massive global success, with titles like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach becoming international bestsellers.
Since Dahl's passing, the value of his estate has skyrocketed. By 2018, his books had sold over 300 million copies worldwide. The Roald Dahl Story Company, managed by his widow Felicity and their children, has been highly profitable, generating significant annual revenue. In a landmark deal, Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company for $1.5 billion over two transactions: $1 billion in 2018 for animation rights and $500 million in 2021 for complete ownership.
Dahl's fame extends far beyond financial success. He is widely considered one of the greatest British authors of the 20th century. In 2008, The Times ranked him 16th on its list of "The 50 Greatest British Writers Since 1945." Forbes even ranked him as the top-earning dead celebrity in 2021. His books continue to captivate readers worldwide and inspire numerous film and stage adaptations, ensuring his enduring fame with new generations.
FOOD AND DRINK Roald Dahl had a passionate relationship with food and drink, which was evident in both his personal life and his literary works.
Dahl was a self-proclaimed chocoholic, preferring his chocolate "straight" in candy bar form. He also enjoyed fresh fish, particularly Norwegian prawns, and was a fan of homegrown vegetables, especially young broad beans. Caviar was reportedly his ultimate indulgence. He was known for his culinary flair, often hosting elaborate dinners for friends and family at his home, Gipsy House.
Dahl's fascination with food often appeared in his stories, like the chocolate factory in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Dahl was an avid wine collector, boasting a cellar of approximately 4000 bottles at Gipsy House. He enjoyed a glass of wine every evening without fail. He also shared his love for unique beverages with his children, creating "Witches' Potions" by blending milk with canned peaches and food coloring.
Dahl's culinary habits were as unique as his personality. He had a dedicated bacon slicer to create paper-thin slices and occasionally surprised his children with bacon and marmalade sandwiches for tea. And, in a touch of whimsical eccentricity, he was known to add cake decorating sprinkles to Jell-O® for a unique textural experience.
MUSIC AND ARTS Roald Dahl had a deep appreciation for music and the arts, particularly classical music. While he did not frequently attend concerts due to his tall stature making it uncomfortable to sit in theater seats, he thoroughly enjoyed listening to music at home.
Dahl had a particular fondness for classical composers, with his widow Felicity noting that "he adored listening to Mozart, to Brahms and especially to Beethoven - his great passion". He would often relax in an armchair at home while enjoying these composers' works.
He collected works of art and antiques.
Dahl wrote screenplays for Ian Fleming’s You Only Live Twice and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and contributed to other media, including his TV anthology shows Way Out and Tales of the Unexpected.
LITERATURE Roald Dahl authored nearly 50 books, blending dark humor, fantastical elements, and memorable characters.
After an eventful stint in the Royal Air Force Dahl began writing short stories for adults. These early efforts, often dark and unsettling, were like a literary version of a Hitchcock film – deliciously morbid, you know?
But then, as fate would have it, he stumbled upon a new audience: children. James and the Giant Peach, inspired by bedtime stories he concocted for his own offspring, proved to be a turning point. Suddenly, Dahl was a children's author, and the world, it seemed, couldn't get enough of his peculiar brand of storytelling.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, Matilda – these weren't your typical children's books. Oh no. Dahl injected them with a healthy dose of the grotesque, a touch of the sinister, and a healthy disrespect for authority. He knew, you see, that children possess a rather morbid sense of humor. They enjoy the deliciously disgusting, the delightfully wicked. Dahl gave them exactly what they craved.
Of course, he wasn't entirely immune to the lure of Hollywood. He dabbled in screenwriting, but his true passion, it seems, lay in conjuring up fantastical worlds and inventing characters that were both charming and utterly bizarre.
Dahl, alas, left us in 1990, but his legacy continues to thrive. His books have sold millions upon millions of copies, been translated into every conceivable language, and have been adapted into countless films and stage productions. He may have been a bit of a rogue, a bit of a grump, but there's no denying his genius. Roald Dahl, the man who brought us giants and witches, chocolate rivers and talking vegetables, remains one of the most beloved and influential children's authors of all time.
NATURE Roald Dahl had a deep and lifelong love for nature, which profoundly influenced both his writing and his personal life.
Dahl's appreciation for nature began early. His father believed that exposing a pregnant woman to natural beauty would instill a love for beauty in the unborn child. Growing up, Dahl enjoyed the Welsh countryside and idyllic summers in Norway, where he experienced the magic of the natural world firsthand. He developed a keen interest in birds, collecting their eggs (before it became illegal) with great care and respect.
Dahl's writing often reflected his love for nature. Many of his stories explored the complex relationship between humans and the wilderness, emphasizing the importance of respecting and living in harmony with nature. In books like Fantastic Mr. Fox and Danny, the Champion of the World, he criticized those who exploited or destroyed nature out of greed or indifference. His final book, Billy and the Minpins, encouraged readers to discover the wonder and magic of nature, reminding them to look for "the greatest secrets" in the most unexpected places.
Dahl was an avid gardener. He cultivated an orchid house where he experimented with over 400 breeds of phalaenopsis orchids. This unique space also housed a massive cactus, inherited from his mother, which grew so large that the roof of the orchid house had to be periodically raised to accommodate its impressive size.
He enjoyed foraging for wild mushrooms.
PETS Dahl bred budgerigars (budgies) and dogs as hobbies.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Dahl often carried a camera with him and enjoyed taking photographs.
He enjoyed sports like squash and fives and played golf.
He had an interest in greyhound racing.
Dahl enjoyed playing snooker in his leisure time.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Dahl engaged in precision engineering when designing the WDT valve to aid children with hydrocephalus. His invention of the WDT valve showcased his ability to merge creativity with engineering solutions.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY While his works often had moral undertones, Dahl did not explicitly align with any particular philosophical or theological framework.
POLITICS Dahl used his charm to advance British interests in the U.S. during World War II, even taking on roles that involved influencing powerful women.
SCANDAL Dahl was criticized for his controversial views later in life, including making anti-Semitic remarks that caused significant backlash. His controversial remarks tarnished his legacy for some.
MILITARY RECORD In November 1939, at the age of 23, Roald Dahl enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Nairobi, Kenya. He initially accepted a commission in the British Army, specifically the Royal African Rifles, but transferred to the RAF after just one month of service. He began his flight training in Nairobi, flying Tiger Moth aircraft.
Dahl was assigned to 80 Squadron, where he initially flew the obsolete Gloster Gladiator biplane. On September 19, 1940, while delivering a new aircraft, he crash-landed in the Libyan desert, sustaining a fractured skull and experiencing temporary blindness. After recovering, he transitioned to flying the more modern Hawker Hurricane in combat missions.
Dahl's first aerial combat encounter occurred on April 15, 1941, over Chalcis, Greece, where he successfully shot down a Junkers Ju 88 bomber. He achieved a total of five confirmed aerial victories, earning him the distinction of a "flying ace." He participated in the fierce Battle of Athens on April 20, 1941, where his squadron faced overwhelming odds against the German Luftwaffe. He also engaged in operations over Greece, Crete, and Syria, including attacks on Vichy French forces.
Dahl's military record includes shooting down multiple enemy aircraft, including Ju 88s and a Vichy French Potez 63. He participated in daring raids, such as the attack on Rayak airfield in Syria. He survived numerous dangerous missions, particularly the challenging Battle of Athens.
Persistent headaches, a consequence of his earlier crash injuries, ultimately forced Dahl to end his RAF service. He was invalided out of the RAF in August 1946 with the rank of Squadron Leader.
Post-war research has confirmed his record of five aerial victories, with the possibility of more unconfirmed kills.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS At age 21, while working at Shell Oil, Dahl decided to have all his teeth extracted by a highly regarded dentist in London, believing they were "more trouble than they were worth." He then had an artificial set created to replace them.
This decision wasn't entirely unusual for British people at the time, but Dahl took it a step further by becoming an advocate for tooth removal. He tried to convince his mother and siblings to follow his example, though only his mother agreed.
Five years after the initial extraction, Dahl treated himself to a fancier set of artificial teeth using the proceeds from his first paid piece of writing, Shot Down in Libya.
In 1960, tragedy struck the Dahl family when their young son, Theo, suffered a severe head injury after being hit by a car. The standard medical treatments at the time proved ineffective in relieving the pressure that had built up in Theo's brain. Determined to help his son, Dahl, in collaboration with his friend Stanley Wade, an expert in precision hydraulic engineering, and paediatric neurosurgeon Kenneth Till, designed a revolutionary medical device.
They developed the Wade-Dahl-Till (WDT) valve, a groundbreaking invention that aimed to safely drain excess fluid from the brain. While Theo fortunately recovered to the point where the valve was no longer necessary, the WDT valve has since gone on to save the lives of over 3000 children worldwide. This remarkable invention stands as a testament to Dahl's ingenuity and his unwavering dedication to his son.
HOMES Dahl's early years were spent in Cardiff, Wales. He was born in Villa Marie (later renamed Ty Gwyn) on Fairwater Road in 1916. The family later moved to Ty Mynydd, a country estate in Radyr, and subsequently to Cumberland Lodge, which is now part of Howell's School nursery.
Dahl's most famous residence was Gipsy House in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. Purchased in 1954 for £4,500 with his first wife, Patricia Neal, it was originally named Little Whitefield and later renamed Gipsy House in 1960. Set on six acres of land with an orchard and gardens, the house underwent extensive renovations and expansions over the years.
A writing hut nestled within the gardens served as Dahl's creative sanctuary, where he penned many of his most beloved works. While Gipsy House is no longer open to the public, Dahl's writing hut is now on display at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden.
Dahl also lived in a London mews apartment in Clapham Common. Additionally, he cherished The Cabin in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, a holiday home where he spent Easter holidays for 16 years as a child. The first-floor apartment in The Cabin is now available for holiday rentals.
Dahl's homes, particularly Gipsy House, played a crucial role in shaping his writing career and family life. The gardens and surroundings often inspired elements of his stories, such as the gypsy caravan featured in Danny, the Champion of the World.
TRAVEL Dahl traveled extensively for Shell Petroleum and during his military service.
DEATH Roald Dahl died on November 23, 1990, at the age of 74 in Oxford, England. He passed away due to a rare blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome. Dahl had been admitted to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on November 12 with an undisclosed infection.
His granddaughter arranged a special Viking-style funeral to honor Dahl's Norwegian roots. This unconventional approach reflected the author's imaginative spirit and his family's desire to celebrate his life in a meaningful way.
Dahl was laid to rest in the churchyard of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. The church is situated on a hill overlooking the village, providing a picturesque final resting place for the beloved author.
Dahl's grave is marked by a simple black slab, contrary to what some might expect for such a famous author. The gravestone bears his name and the dates of his birth and death.
In keeping with the Viking funeral theme and to honor Dahl's personal interests, he was buried with several of his favorite possessions: Burgundy wine, chocolates, HB pencils, snooker cues, and a power saw
Dahl's grave has become a place of pilgrimage for fans. Visitors often leave small tokens, including candy bars, as a tribute to the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and other beloved children's classics
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Many of Dahl’s stories were adapted into films, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, and Matilda.
He appeared in interviews and documentaries, often sharing anecdotes about his life and career.
Dahl hosted and narrated episodes of his television series Way Out (1961) and introduced adaptations of his stories in Tales of the Unexpected (1979–1988).
His works have also inspired numerous stage productions, such as the musicals Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His persona and writings have been referenced in pop culture, cementing his status as a literary icon.
ACHIEVEMENTS Dahl’s contributions to literature earned him global acclaim, and his birthday, September 13, is celebrated as "Roald Dahl Day". His philanthropic efforts, like the WDT valve, have saved countless lives.
Source The Independent
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