Roald Dahl Treasury

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A wonderful collection for Dahl devotees to treasure as a keepsake, as well as a superb introduction to Dahl for those children (if any exist) who have not yet read any of his work.

The Roald Dahl Treasury brings together some of the most dazzling moments in the work of this extraordinary writer. Divided into four parts: Animals; Magic; Family, Friends and Foes; and Matters of Importance, it includes complete picture tales; excerpts from Dahl's longer stories; poetry (some previously unpublished); and autobiographical material and letters -- some written as a young boy to his mother.

Outstanding artwork is a feature of the book; there's Quentin Blake, of course, but other illustrious children's illustrators -- Raymond Briggs, Posy Simmons, Ralph Steadman, Patrick Benson, Charlotte Voake and Babette Cole -- are in there too.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

More than 75 selections from the works of a master storyteller are collected in The Roald Dahl Treasury, first published in 1997, and now available in paperback. With excerpts from his most popular books-Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; James and the Giant Peach; Matilda and more-as well as stories, poems, letters and essays, this hefty volume overflows with fascinating characters, clever wordplay and much merriment. Nothing was off-limits to Dahl's irreverent humor, including a version of Cinderella (from Revolting Rhymes) that begins: "I guess you think you know this story./ You don't. The real one's much more gory." Quentin Blake, Lane Smith, Ralph Steadman and others lend their visual interpretations to the fun. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist Review

Gr. 4^-6. A treasury indeed for Roald Dahl fans. This ample volume contains excerpts from his novels, autobiographies, and poetry, as well as a few unpublished pieces and other offerings not generally available, such as "The Roald Dahl Guide to Railway Safety" (produced for British Rail). Some new illustrations appear, along with a great deal of artwork from the original books. The artists include Quentin Blake, Raymond Briggs, Babette Cole, Lane Smith, Fritz Wegner, and Christopher Wormell. The book begins with two brief memoirs: publisher Tom Maschler discusses the man and his work, and Ophelia Dahl recalls her childhood, focusing on her father's talent for making every day an adventure. High spirits and humor are plentiful in the book, but the autobiographical sections include reflection as well. The volume closes with the verse "As I grow old and just a trifle frayed / It's nice to know that sometimes I have made / You children and occasionally the staff / Stop work and have instead a little laugh." --Carolyn Phelan

Horn Book Review

Illustrated by various artists. Divided into four sections entitled 'Animals,' 'Magic,' 'Family, Friends, and Foes,' and 'Matters of Importance,' this weighty volume includes selections from Dahl's humorous books, autobiographical writings, poetry, and letters. Some entries are newly illustrated, while others retain their original artwork. This collection will be appreciated by Dahl fans. From HORN BOOK 1997, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.