Episode 3
The tale of the writer's son Theo and a remarkable invention, the Dahl-Wade-Till valve. Donald Sturrock's biography, read by Julian Rhind-Tutt with Ian McDiarmid.
"Roald Dahl thought biographies were boring. He told me so while munching on a lobster claw."
The new biographer of Dahl is Donald Sturrock, who once made a film about the writer, so knew the man and his family very well. His book charts Dahl's rich and varied life as fighter pilot, intelligence operative, and the adult writer who then wrote for children in such an impactful way that he remains hugely popular with today's young readers. He was truly on their wavelength. He spoke to them through books such as Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The BFG and Danny, Champion of The World.
Sturrock investigates Dahl's eternal popularity as a writer. And of course the man behind the books...
3. Living in New York gave the author a premonition of a family disaster, which was vividly realized all too soon.
Read by Julian Rhind Tutt and the voice of Dahl is Ian McDiarmid
Producer Duncan Minshull.
Last on
Broadcasts
Wed 8 Sep 2010 09:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM- Thu 9 Sep 2010 00:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Wed 12 Jun 2013 14:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
- Wed 15 Apr 2015 14:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 16 Apr 2015 02:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.