Interesting Facts About Roald Dahl

The author of such beloved children’s books as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl has solidified his place in history as one of the most important authors of the 20th century. Here are three interesting facts about Roald Dahl that you may not have known.

Dahl, Roald Dahl. Before his career as an author, Roald Dahl served as a spy for the British Security Coordination during World War II. Somewhat of a James Bond-esque agent, Dahl gathered intelligence for the British while using his charm to seduce society ladies, possibly for his own leisure.

Accusations of racism. Although now a beloved children’s classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released to considerable controversy, with many calling the book outright racist. Originally, the Oompa-Loompas were described as "black pygmies" from "the very deepest and darkest part of the African jungle where no white man had gone before." Shortly after the outcry, however, their description was quickly changed to be from "Loompaland" with "rosy-white skin" and "golden-brown hair".

The stuff of nightmares. Written in 1943, The Gremlins was first published as a short magazine story before eventually being published and marketed for children by Walt Disney, and is considered to be Dahl’s first piece written for children. It’s a story of creatures responsible for mechanical failures on aeroplanes, perhaps inspired by Dahl’s time in the RAF.

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