[S4B]

Had he lived, today would've been Roald Dahl's 91st birthday. He was a fantastic author of both children's and adults stories that have stood the test of time and will be popular for many years to come. I have too many favorite Dahl books to choose just one but which are your favorites?

[catherine]

I like loads ones that stay in my mind are George's Marvelous Medicine and The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. His best book turned into a film for me is The Witches.

[Yudster]

I've never really like any Dahl film adaptations, but my favourite of his books has to be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Its perfect.

Roald Dahl was married to the the actress Patricia Neal, and while they were married she suffered a severe stroke and wasn't expected to survive. The doctors who treated her said that her amazing ultimate recovery was almost all down to the determination, hard work and total effort of Roald Dahl to almost force her recovery. It was an amazing story, brilliantly told in the TV movie starring Dirk Bogarde and Glenda Jackson, called, originally enough, The Patricia Neal Story. If you ever get a chance, watch it, its excellent.

[MK Chris]

I've never really like any Dahl film adaptations

Neither did he; he was sorely disappointed with all of them I think (I think Matilda was not a bad try; it was made after he died though).

I've said it before and I'll say it again; the word 'legend' is much overused but when it comes to Roald Dahl it's a very much deserved accolade - I grew up with the man, he was brilliant! I loved how he would make up words and you would know instantly the intended definition. Quentin Blake was also the

Like s4b, there are too many to choose, but off the top of my head:
The Twits
George's Marvellous Medicine
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me
The Vicar of Nibbleswicke
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More
The Witches

Ah, the memories...

[MK Chris]

That was supposed to say "Quentin Blake was also the perfect illustrator for his stories."

[S4B]

Agreed but you forgot James & The Giant Peach!

[foot-loose]

Why has no-one mentioned the BFG?!?

[MK Chris]

Ah so I did, that was great too. And The BFG. And The Magic Finger, and Fantastic Mr Fox, and Danny the Champion of the World, and Esio Trot. His poetry was brilliant as well, Revolting Rhymes and the like.

[MK Chris]

Why has no-one mentioned the BFG?!?

I was just doing so as you posted... some of the best character names ever came from that book too.. Bonecruncher, Childchewer, Gizzardgulper and my favourite, Fleshlumpeater.

[pjordan2000]

fantastic mr fox was one of my favourites but the first one i read was BFG which i read over and over again. Great book

[S4B]

I love Fantastic Mr Fox.

[Gaspode_The_Wonder_Dog]

I cant stand the fella. Utter drivel all of the books.

[Sistermoon]

My daughter is reading the books right now. She is reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and plans to read "..The Glass Elevator" next.

I am sure I saw him interviewed on Wogan once and he seemed like a really grumpy old man who didn't much like kids! But, maybe he was being ironic and I was to young to get it?!

Yes...I was young once :p

[foot-loose]

I am sure I saw him interviewed on Wogan once and he seemed like a really grumpy old man who didn't much like kids

Wogan?

[Sistermoon]

yup...back in the days when he had an evening telly show!

[Walter Sobchak]

I am sure I saw him interviewed on Wogan once and he seemed like a really grumpy old man who didn't much like kids

Wogan?

No Footloose, Wogan loves kids, although he couldn't eat a whole one!

[Yudster]

I am sure I saw him interviewed on Wogan once and he seemed like a really grumpy old man who didn't much like kids! But, maybe he was being ironic and I was to young to get it?!

No, he really wasn't all that keen on kids. Beatrix Potter didn't like kids either apparently. And as for Lewis Carroll, well, lets not speculate.

[Yudster]

Its fairly well documented that his interest in young girls was not always appropriate, especially the daughter of the family friend who was "Alice". However, I don't think there has ever been any suggestion that he manifested his preferences with her or anyone else. I might be wrong, Topher is researching.

[Sistermoon]

Ah, yes, I think I had read that about Lewis Carrol...I think I may have even read somewhere that the family stopped him from seeing "Alice" as he wanted to marry her? Or am I making stuff up??!

[Gaspode_The_Wonder_Dog]

Like Hitler and Geli.

[Yudster]

As I recall, her family were very unhappy with his relationship with "Alice", and yes I think they did stop her seeing him when she was about 14 or 15 and he made it known he wanted to marry her. He had been a long standing family friend.

[Gaspode_The_Wonder_Dog]

Guilty until proved innocent I say. Hang anyone that even looks at a child.

[Sistermoon]

Mind you, they married younger back then. Still, it would be very weird to have someone who had watched your child growing up take more than just an "Uncle Lewis" type interest.

Ok, now I am going to have to not feel weird when my male friends mention my daughter is pretty...I know they mean in kindly!