Roald Dahl
Full Name and Common Aliases
Roald Dahl, often affectionately referred to as the "World's No. 1 Storyteller," was a British author renowned for his captivating children's books and darkly humorous tales. His full name was Roald Dahl, and he did not commonly use any aliases, although his unique name itself became synonymous with imaginative storytelling.
Birth and Death Dates
Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, and he passed away on November 23, 1990, in Oxford, England. His life spanned a period of significant historical events, which often influenced his writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Dahl was of British nationality and wore many professional hats throughout his life. He was a novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot. His diverse experiences enriched his storytelling, making his works resonate with both children and adults.
Early Life and Background
Roald Dahl was born to Norwegian parents, Harald Dahl and Sofie Magdalene Dahl. His early life was marked by tragedy, with the loss of his father and sister when he was just three years old. Despite these hardships, Dahl's mother remained a strong influence, nurturing his love for stories and adventure. He attended several boarding schools, where he experienced the harshness of the British education system, a theme that would later surface in his writing.
Dahl's adventurous spirit led him to join the Royal Air Force during World War II, where he served as a fighter pilot. His wartime experiences were both harrowing and exhilarating, providing a rich tapestry of material for his later works. After the war, Dahl began his writing career, initially focusing on adult fiction before finding his true calling in children's literature.
Major Accomplishments
Roald Dahl's literary career is marked by numerous accomplishments. He became one of the best-selling authors of all time, with his books translated into over 60 languages and selling more than 250 million copies worldwide. His ability to weave fantastical tales with a touch of the macabre set him apart from his contemporaries.
Dahl's contributions to literature were recognized with several awards, including the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the British Book Awards' Children's Author of the Year. His work in screenwriting also earned him an Academy Award nomination for the film adaptation of his book "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."
Notable Works or Actions
Roald Dahl's bibliography is a treasure trove of beloved stories. Among his most notable works are "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda," "James and the Giant Peach," "The BFG," and "The Witches." These books are celebrated for their imaginative plots, memorable characters, and underlying moral lessons. Dahl's ability to blend whimsy with a touch of darkness captivated readers and left a lasting impression on children's literature.
In addition to his children's books, Dahl wrote several collections of short stories for adults, such as "Tales of the Unexpected," which showcased his talent for crafting suspenseful and twist-filled narratives. His work in film and television, including the screenplay for the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice," further demonstrated his versatility as a writer.
Impact and Legacy
Roald Dahl's impact on literature and popular culture is profound. His stories have been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and even musicals, ensuring that his legacy continues to reach new generations. Dahl's unique voice and storytelling style have inspired countless authors and filmmakers, cementing his place as a literary icon.
His influence extends beyond entertainment; Dahl's works often explore themes of kindness, courage, and the triumph of the underdog, resonating with readers of all ages. His ability to address complex issues with humor and sensitivity has made his stories timeless.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Roald Dahl is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the imagination and hearts of readers. His quotes often reflect his wit, wisdom, and understanding of human nature. Phrases like "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it" and "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men" encapsulate his philosophy and continue to inspire.
Dahl's stories, filled with memorable characters and moral lessons, have left an indelible mark on literature. His ability to entertain while imparting valuable life lessons ensures that his works remain relevant and cherished. Roald Dahl's legacy as a master storyteller endures, making him a beloved figure whose words continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Quotes by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl's insights on:
I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life.... If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good either. White hot and passionate is the only thing to be.
And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it
As the night gets dark, let your worries fade. sleep peacefully knowing you've done all you can do for today.
If my books can help children become readers, then I feel I have accomplished something important.
The adult is the enemy of the child because of the awful process of civilizing this thing that, when it is born, is an animal with no manners, no moral sense at all.
I find that the only way to make my characters really interesting to children is to exaggerate all their good or bad qualities, and so if a person is nasty or bad or cruel, you make them very nasty, very bad, very cruel. If they are ugly, you make them extremely ugly. That, I think, is fun and makes an impact.
'Dexter' is a very well-oiled machine; it's just a great show and great to be part of.
When you're writing a book, with people in it as opposed to animals, it is no good having people who are ordinary, because they are not going to interest your readers at all. Every writer in the world has to use the characters that have something interesting about them, and this is even more true in children's books.
I didn’t know which direction I was going in. I just went on walking and calling out, walking and calling; and each time I called, I would stop and listen. But no answer came.
So the music is saying something to them. It is sending a message. I do not think the human beans is knowing what that message is, but they is loving it just the same.