Roald Dahl
By Allie Van Wagenen
Early Life
Roald Dahl was born September 13th, 1969 in Llandaff, Wales. Dahl's family consisted of his dad, mom, older sister Astri, and younger sisters Asta and Else. However, when Dahl was only four his older sister and father died in the year of 1920. Dahl attended his early school years at Llandaff Cathederal School and St. Peters Weston-Super-Mare. His first jod was working with Shell Oil in 1934. This job took him to many different places. However, once World War II started he enrolled in The Royal Air Force in 1939. He did not return to Britain until 1942, and that is when his writing career really started.
Late Life
After he came back to Britain he wrote his first short story, Shot Down Over Libya, which he was influenced to write by C.S. Forester who told him to write about his experiences in the desert. After that he started to work on his first story called, The Gremlins. Walt Disney soon heard about this story and it was published in 1943 as a book released by Walt Disney. He continued to write more books, but in 1953 he started his family by marrying Patricia Neal in New York. He had three daughters, Olivia, Tessa, and Ophelia and one son, Theo. Unfortunately, his eldest daughter died at seven years old in 1961. Dahl only got more popular as the years went on, publishing James and the Giant Peach, BGF, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many other famous stories. He also wrote countless short stories and many films. He died November 23rd 1990 at the age of 74, but his fame still lives on with all his books and stories being turned into films.
Roald Dahl holding his two dogs
Roald Dahl surrounded by some of his story book characters
Roald Dahl when he was in the Royal Air Force
Literature Spotlight: James and the Giant Peach
James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl is one of his most famous books. Its about a young boy, named James. James' parents were killed, so he was sent to live with his two aunts. His aunt are very cruel to James and his only escape is through a giant peach. Inside the peach he meets some peculiar friends and they go on a crazy journey. This is one of my all time favorite books. It is not only a great adventure, but it will also give you a good laugh. I highly recommend reading James and the Giant Peach.
Roald Dahl: From books to film
Roald Dahl: From Books To Film