Roald Dahl died on this day in 1990. He was 74.
Roald Dahl is known mostly for his books for children. For his creepy, funny books for children. James and the Giant Peach and The Witches and The BFG and The Fantastic Mr. Fox and, of course, what some have called one of the best children’s books ever, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Roald Dahl was also a decorated combat pilot during World War II and a spy for the British. He was married to Oscar-winning actress Patricial Neal for thirty years.
In his honor, here are a few good links to follow:
In an interview from earlier this year, Roald Dahl’s biographer Donald Sturrock talks with NPR about Dahl’s personal life.
From The New Yorker, a long essay called The Candy Man, which tries to explain “why children love Roald Dahl’s stories — and many adults don’t.”
A rundown of some interesting Roald Dahl facts, called The Many Hats of Roald Dahl.
A photo gallery from the U.K. Guardian.
An episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents from 1958, written by Roald Dahl, titled Lamb to the Slaughter.
And this, an advertisement for old copies of Roald Dahl’s own eerie TV series, Way Out: