Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was born in Wales of
Norwegian parents. He spent his childhood in England and, at age
eighteen, went to work for the Shell Oil Company in Africa. When
World War II broke out, he joined the Royal Air Force and became a
fighter pilot. At the age of twenty-six he moved to Washington,
D.C., and it was there he began to write. His first short story,
which recounted his adventures in the war, was bought by The
Saturday Evening Post, and so began a long and illustrious
career.
After establishing himself as a writer for adults, Roald Dahl
began writing children's stories in 1960 while living in England
with his family. His first stories were written as entertainment
for his own children, to whom many of his books are
dedicated.
Roald Dahl is now considered one of the most beloved storytellers
of our time. Although he passed away in 1990, his popularity
continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James
and the Giant Peach, Matilda, The BFG, and
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing
legion of fans.
Learn more about Roald Dahl on the official Roald Dahl Web site:
www.roalddahl.com
Quentin Blake is a well-known artist whose work
has made him popular on both sides of the Atlantic. He has
illustrated most of Roald Dahl's children's books as well as many
others. He lives in London, where he teaches illustration at the
Royal College of Art.
