Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl | A Retrospective

It is nearly impossible to go through one’s childhood without experiencing Roald Dahl’s work in one form or another. Now, over 100 years after his birth, Dahl’s stories have been passed from generation to generation. From the whimsy of Willy Wonka to the strength and intelligence of Matilda, many of Dahl’s characters have become iconic in British culture and worldwide. But what is it about Dahl’s writing that is so impactful that it retains popularity for decades after his death?

These articles explore many facets of Dahl’s work and its adaptations on the screen, the stage, and all manner of other formats. They range from translation of his work to his use of the cautionary tale and villain archetypes. These demonstrate the influences he drew upon as well as the influence he had on others. Finally, we explore the way Dahl’s work connects with children, and how that spark of magic which draws in young readers is rooted in the language itself.

The Cautionary Tale and Roald Dahl | #RoaldDahl100

As part of our celebrations of the Roald Dahl centenary, in partnership with Cardiff University, Ben Screech explores Dahl’s extensive use of the ‘cautionary tale’ throughout his career.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | #Dahl100

Celebrating 100 years of Dahl, Jemma Beggs reviews the centenary production of the classic musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Cinderella and Roald Dahl | #RoaldDahl100

What literature influence Roald Dahl? In our latest collaboration with the Roald Dahl Conference of Cardiff University, Claudia Lanza explores the relationship between one of Dahl’s most mischievous works, his version of Cinderella from his collection of poetic reworkings of classic fairy tales, The Revolting Rhymes, and the various source materials, and asks what role the translator plays in the reinterpretation of the classics.

Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl | Greatest Welsh Novel

In the anniversary month of Dahl’s hundredth birthday, we take a look at Gary Raymond‘s review of Fantastic Mr Fox for our Greatest Welsh Novel series.

Sweets, their Golden Age, and Roald Dahl | #Dahl100

As part of our celebration of Dahl’s centenary year, in partnership with the Roald Dahl Conference at Cardiff University, Professor Keiko Tanaka explores the dominant role played by chocolate and sweets in Dahl’s work.

Translation | Roald Dahl’s Cinderella

In the latest in our series of fresh explorations of the work of Dahl, in collaboration with Cardiff University, Sally King explores his take on the Cinderella story, and the trials of its translation into French, by Anne Krief.

The Monsters of Roald Dahl’s Books: Grown Ups

Why are Dahl’s villainous women so monstrously evil? In the latest in the series of essays examining the work of the iconic children’s writer in partnership with Cardiff University, Samantha Velez explores the preponderance of female villains in Roald Dahl’s work.

Bond: You Only Live Twice | #Dahl100

Gray Taylor takes a look at the story behind Dahl’s penning of the script for Sean Connery comeback Bond movie, You Only Live Twice.

Childlike Language in Roald Dahl’s Work | #Dahl100

In our final presentation from our partnership with Cardiff University’s Roald Dahl Conference 2016, Željka Flegar explores the intricate ways in which Dahl played with and championed childlike language, and how it made him one of the most famous and adored writers for children for generation after generation.

Taika Waititi and Friends Read Roald Dahl for Charity

Hollywood A-listers have come together remotely to read the whole of James and the Giant Peach by Dahl, hosted by Taika Waititi.


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