Born in Llandaff, Cardiff, to Norwegian parents, he served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, in which he became a flying ace and intelligence agent, rising to the rank of Wing Commander. Dahl rose to prominence in the 1940s with books for both children and adults, and became one of the world's best-selling writers. He has been referred to as one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century. In 2008 The Times placed Dahl sixteenth on its list of The 50 greatest British authors since 1945. His short novels are known for their unexpected endings, and his books for kids for their unsentimental, often very dark humour.
(Roald Dahl photo #2)
Some of his notable books include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, George's Marvellous Medicine, Fantastic Mr Fox, Matilda, The Witches, and The Big Friendly Giant.
(Roald Dahl photo #3)
Roald Dahl started life at Villa Marie, Fairwater Road in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales in 1916, to Norwegian parents, Harald Dahl and Sofie Magdalene Dahl. Dahl's dad had moved from Sarpsborg in Norway and settled in Cardiff in the 1880s. His mom came over to marry his dad in 1911. Dahl was called after the polar explorer Roald Amundsen, a national hero in Norway at the time. He spoke Norwegian at home with his parents and sisters, Astri, Alfhild, and Else.
Roald Dahl
