Roald Dahl Books

For millions of readers, Roald Dahl's name means Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and James and the Giant Peach, the exact books many of us grew up on. Less well known is his other side: a writer of sharp, unsettling short stories for adults, collected in books like Tales of the Unexpected and Kiss Kiss, and a former RAF fighter pilot with a story as dramatic as anything he wrote. For more classic children's fantasy, our Children's Books collection is worth exploring too.

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Roald Dahl Books: childhood favourites and the stranger stories behind them

“Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”

— Roald Dahl, in The Minpins

For a certain generation, Roald Dahl is inseparable from childhood itself: the golden ticket hidden in a chocolate bar, Matilda's quiet defiance, the BFG's garden full of nightmares turned into dreams. His books were the ones read under the covers with a torch, passed between siblings until the spines gave out, and read aloud by parents doing their best impression of the Twits. But Dahl wrote for adults first. Long before Charlie or Matilda, he built his reputation on cruel, cleverly plotted short stories collected in Someone Like You, Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected, with twist endings and a much darker sense of humour than anything in his children's books. He had also lived an extraordinary life of his own, a fighter pilot shot down over the Western Desert in the Second World War and later a British intelligence officer in Washington, experiences that shaped the sharper edges of his writing.

Our Roald Dahl collection blends his own writing with material about the man himself, including biographical works that dig into both the celebrated children's author and the sharper, adult side of his career.

We photograph and describe each book individually, and we're always adding new stock as genuine copies come our way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Roald Dahl books do you have in stock?

We carry a changing selection of Roald Dahl material, from his own fiction to biographical works about him, in vintage and antique printings. It's always worth checking back as we add more.

Where should I start if I'm new to Roald Dahl?

For most readers, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and The BFG are the classic starting points, all published between the 1960s and 1980s and among his most enduring stories. If you already know his children's books, his darker adult short stories in Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss are well worth trying next.

Do you have first edition Roald Dahl books?

Genuine first editions of Dahl's work are highly sought after and don't come up often. When we do have one, it will be clearly dated and described in the listing.

Did Roald Dahl write books for adults?

Yes. Long before his children's classics, Dahl built his reputation on dark, twist-ending short stories for adults, collected in books like Someone Like You, Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected. They're well worth seeking out if you only know his children's writing.

What makes a Roald Dahl book collectable?

Early printings, first editions and original dust jackets all add real value, particularly for his most famous children's titles. Condition matters too, especially for illustrated editions where the artwork is a big part of the appeal.

Can you tell me how much my Roald Dahl book is worth?

We're not able to offer formal valuations, but we're always happy to take a look and share our thoughts if you're curious about a book you own.

How do you describe the condition of these books?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and any wear before you buy. Condition varies from copy to copy, and anything worth knowing is noted clearly in the listing.

Would a Roald Dahl book make a good gift?

Yes, whether for a child discovering his stories for the first time or an adult revisiting a childhood favourite, a good copy of Dahl's work makes a wonderful and nostalgic gift. If you're gift shopping more broadly, our Children's Book Gifts collection is worth a browse too.

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