Who was Roald Dahl?
Roald Dahl was a British writer famous for his children's books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and James and the Giant Peach. He is one of the world's best-selling children's authors.
Dahl was born in Llandaff, Wales, in 1916, to Norwegian parents. He was educated at Repton School in Derbyshire, where Cadbury sent chocolate bars for pupils to test, which later inspired Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
During World War II, he was a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force and was injured in a crash in North Africa. He later worked as a diplomat in Washington.
Books for children
Dahl's stories are known for their dark humor, unpleasant adults and clever children. Other famous books include The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, The Twits and Danny, the Champion of the World.
He also wrote stories for adults, including the Tales of the Unexpected, and screenplays for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Dahl lived in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, where he wrote in a garden hut. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is in the village.
He died in 1990. Roald Dahl Day is celebrated on 13 September, his birthday. His books have been adapted into many films and musicals.