How Many Books Has Roald Dahl Written? The Complete List

If you have read Matilda, watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or seen a child laugh at The Twits, you may eventually ask the same question many readers ask: how many books has roald dahl written?

The answer depends on what you count.

If you mean his best-known children’s books, the number is smaller. If you include his poetry, adult short story collections, autobiographical books, scripts, posthumous works, and edited collections, the list becomes much wider. That is why different websites and reading lists sometimes give different totals.

A simple answer is that Roald Dahl wrote dozens of books across several categories, and many broader reading lists count around 49 works connected to his name. A more careful answer is that his published work should be organised by type, because Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Boy, Revolting Rhymes, and Tales of the Unexpected are not the same kind of book.

So, instead of giving you one flat number and moving on, let’s walk through the list in a useful way. This blog follows the supplied brief by creating a clear count-based article with Dahl’s books organised by children’s books, poetry, autobiographical works, and adult writing where relevant. 

Why the Number Changes Depending on the List

Before we count, it helps to understand the confusion.

Roald Dahl wrote children’s novels, short children’s books, poetry collections, adult short stories, autobiographical works, screenplays, non-fiction pieces, and books published or collected after his death. Some lists include only books he wrote directly. Others include edited works, later collections, or adapted editions.

That is why the question how many books has roald dahl written needs context. A classroom list may focus only on children’s books. A collector’s list may include everything. A publisher’s list may focus on the classic children’s collection. A fan bibliography may include more specialised material.

The Roald Dahl Museum’s timeline of published works is one of the most helpful references because it separates children’s books, poetry, autobiography, novels for adults, short story collections, and other works. 

For everyday readers, the best approach is not to argue over one exact number. It is better to ask what kind of Dahl book you want to read.

First, Who Is Roald Dahl?

Before the list, let’s step back for a moment.

Who is roald dahl? He was a British writer born in Wales in 1916 to Norwegian parents. He became one of the most recognisable children’s authors of the twentieth century, known for bold humour, strange plots, horrible adults, clever children, and unforgettable story worlds.

But who is roald dahl beyond children’s books? He was also a wartime RAF pilot, a writer of adult short stories, a poet, a screenwriter, and an autobiographical writer. His career was wider than many new readers realise.

That is why counting his books can be tricky. If you only know Matilda and The BFG, you may think his work is all children’s fiction. Once you look at his full publishing history, the shelf becomes much larger.

The First Roald Dahl Book

The first roald dahl book was The Gremlins, published in 1943.

It came from RAF folklore about mischievous creatures blamed for aircraft problems. This makes sense when you remember Dahl’s wartime background as a pilot. The book does not feel exactly like his later children’s classics, but it already shows his interest in odd creatures, mischief, danger, and imagination.

The first roald dahl book is important because it reminds us that Dahl’s career did not begin with his most famous titles. He did not start with Matilda or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He began with a wartime idea and developed his voice over time.

That is encouraging for writers too. First books often show the beginning of a creative journey, not the whole destination.

Roald Dahl’s Main Children’s Books

When people ask what books did roald dahl write, they usually mean the children’s books first.

Here is a clear list of his best-known children’s books and children’s stories in publication order:

• The Gremlins was published in 1943. This was Dahl’s first children’s book and came from his RAF background.
• James and the Giant Peach was published in 1961. It follows James as he escapes his cruel aunts and travels inside a giant peach.
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was published in 1964. It introduces Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka, golden tickets, and the famous chocolate factory.
• The Magic Finger was published in 1966. It tells the story of a girl with a mysterious power and a strong dislike of hunting.
• Fantastic Mr Fox was published in 1970. It follows a clever fox as he outwits three horrible farmers.
• Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator was published in 1972. It continues Charlie’s adventure with Willy Wonka.
• Danny the Champion of the World was published in 1975. It is a warmer story about a boy and his father.
• The Enormous Crocodile was published in 1978. It is a shorter, funny story about a crocodile with nasty plans.
• The Twits was published in 1980. It introduces one of Dahl’s most disgusting and memorable pairs of villains.
• George’s Marvellous Medicine was published in 1981. It is a chaotic story about a boy who creates a very strange medicine.
• The BFG was published in 1982. It tells the story of Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant.
• The Witches was published in 1983. It is one of Dahl’s darker books for children.
• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me was published in 1985. It is a shorter tale about an unusual window-cleaning team.
• Matilda was published in 1988. It follows a brilliant girl who loves books and faces terrible adults.
• Esio Trot was published in 1990. It is a shorter, gentler story about love, tortoises, and a quiet plan.
• The Vicar of Nibbleswicke was published in 1991, after Dahl’s death.
• The Minpins was also published in 1991, after Dahl’s death.

This list gives most families the Dahl shelf they are looking for when they ask what books did roald dahl write. It includes the core children’s titles that still appear in schools, libraries, bookshops, and homes.

Roald Dahl’s Poetry Books for Children

Dahl also wrote poetry for children, and these books are a big part of his playful reputation.

Revolting Rhymes was published in 1982. It retells familiar fairy tales in a cheeky, surprising, and often darker way.

Dirty Beasts was published in 1983. It features comic poems about animals and strange behaviour.

Rhyme Stew was published in 1989. It is often aimed at older children because some of the humour is cheekier and more mature.

These poetry books matter because they show Dahl’s love of rhythm, rhyme, twist endings, and playful nastiness. He enjoyed turning familiar stories upside down. He also understood how much children enjoy language when it feels naughty, musical, and unexpected.

If you are making a complete list, do not skip the poetry. It is part of what makes Dahl’s voice so recognisable.

Roald Dahl’s Autobiographical Books

Dahl also wrote about his own life.

Boy: Tales of Childhood was published in 1984. It covers his childhood, family, schooldays, sweet shops, punishments, and early memories.

Going Solo was published in 1986. It continues the story into his early adulthood, work in Africa, and wartime flying experiences.

These books are useful for older children and adults who want to understand the life behind the stories. They help answer questions like how old is roald dahl at different stages of his life, how his childhood shaped his writing, and why schools, adults, fear, humour, and adventure appear so often in his books.

If a young reader already loves Dahl, Boy can be a fascinating next step. It shows that some of his wildest fictional instincts came from real memories.

Roald Dahl’s Adult Short Story Collections

Dahl’s adult writing is not always suitable for children, but it is important to his career.

His adult short story collections include Over to You, published in 1946, Someone Like You, published in 1953, Kiss Kiss, published in 1960, Switch Bitch, published in 1974, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More, published in 1977, Tales of the Unexpected, published in 1979, More Tales of the Unexpected, published in 1980, Two Fables, published in 1986, and Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life, published in 1989.

These books show Dahl’s darker adult style. He liked twists, secrets, strange behaviour, and sudden endings. That skill later helped his children’s books feel sharp and surprising.

For adult readers, these collections show another side of Dahl. For children, parents and teachers should choose carefully because the tone and content are not the same as the children’s books.

Roald Dahl’s Adult Novels and Other Works

Dahl also wrote adult novels and other material.

Some Time Never: A Fable for Supermen was published in 1948. My Uncle Oswald was published in 1979. These are not the books most children’s readers are looking for, but they belong in a fuller bibliography.

He also worked on screenplays and other writing projects. This is another reason some complete lists grow longer than a simple children’s book count.

When a reader asks for a complete Dahl list, it helps to separate these adult works from the children’s classics. Otherwise, a family looking for a bedtime book may accidentally land on something intended for adults.

Who Illustrated Roald Dahl Books?

A complete guide to Dahl’s books should also talk about the pictures.

Who illustrated roald dahl books? The illustrator most people immediately think of is Quentin Blake. His scratchy, lively, expressive drawings became the classic visual identity of Dahl’s world. His pictures made the children look small but brave, the villains look ridiculous or terrifying, and the strange scenes feel full of movement.

However, who illustrated roald dahl books is not answered by only one name across all editions. Earlier editions and certain books had other illustrators too. Still, Quentin Blake became the defining visual partner for Dahl in the minds of many readers. Britannica also notes that many of Dahl’s books were illustrated by Quentin Blake. 

This matters because Dahl’s books are remembered through both words and images. For many children, the drawings are part of the reading experience.

What Is Roald Dahl Famous For?

At this point, the answer to what is roald dahl famous for becomes clearer.

Roald’s is famous for children’s books with bold concepts, unforgettable villains, clever children, dark humour, invented words, and satisfying justice. He is famous for stories that feel slightly dangerous without losing their comic energy. He is famous for making reading feel mischievous.

But what is roald dahl famous for beyond the books? He is also famous for the cultural world around those books: Quentin Blake illustrations, classroom reading, stage versions, family shelves, and film adaptations.

His stories are not quiet classics that sit politely in the background. They keep returning because children enjoy their energy.

Roald Dahl Books in Order

If you want to read roald dahl books in order, you can start with the publication timeline.

A simple children’s reading order begins with The Gremlins in 1943, then moves to James and the Giant Peach in 1961, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 1964, The Magic Finger in 1966, Fantastic Mr Fox in 1970, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator in 1972, Danny the Champion of the World in 1975, The Enormous Crocodile in 1978, The Twits in 1980, George’s Marvellous Medicine in 1981, The BFG in 1982, The Witches in 1983, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me in 1985, Matilda in 1988, Esio Trot in 1990, and the posthumous 1991 titles.

Reading roald dahl books in order is useful if you want to see how his style developed. It is not necessary for children who simply want a good story. Most of his major children’s books stand alone.

For younger readers, start with shorter books such as Fantastic Mr Fox, The Enormous Crocodile, or The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. For confident readers, move to Matilda, The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or The Witches.

Roald Dahl Movies and Adaptations

A complete discussion of Dahl’s books also has to mention screen adaptations.

Popular roald dahl movies include Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The BFG. Britannica lists several major adaptations, including versions of Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Witches, and Matilda. 

These roald dahl movies help keep the books alive for new generations. Some children watch the film first, then read the book. Others read the book and enjoy comparing the screen version.

The films also show how strong Dahl’s story concepts are. A chocolate factory, a giant peach, a brilliant girl, a friendly giant, and a secret world of witches all work visually because the original ideas are so clear.

How Old Was Roald Dahl When He Died?

No count-based article is complete without placing the books in Dahl’s life.

How old was roald dahl when he died? He died on 23 November 1990 at the age of 74. His birth and death dates are widely recorded as 13 September 1916 and 23 November 1990. 

The question how old was roald dahl when he died matters because some of his best-loved books came late in his career. The BFG appeared in 1982, The Witches in 1983, Matilda in 1988, and Esio Trot in 1990.

That means Dahl remained creatively active close to the end of his life. His later books were not minor footnotes. Several became central to his legacy.

What the Complete List Teaches Modern Authors

Dahl’s publishing history is useful for modern writers too.

He built a recognisable voice, wrote across categories, created memorable concepts, and developed books that could live beyond the page. Authors using Book Publishing Services, Book Printing Services, Book Marketing Services, Author Website Services, Ghostwriting Services, or Ebook writing Services can learn from that long-term clarity.

A strong author brand is not created by one title alone. It grows through consistent voice, memorable ideas, reader trust, and books that feel connected even when they are different.

Dahl’s work also shows that illustrations, adaptations, and marketing can extend a book’s life. The page matters first, but publishing does not stop at the page.

Final Thoughts

So, how many books did Roald Dahl write?

A simple answer is that he wrote dozens of books, with many broader lists counting around 49 works connected to his name across children’s fiction, poetry, autobiographical writing, adult short stories, novels, and other categories. A more useful answer is that his work should be read by type.

For children, the essential books include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Witches, Matilda, and other classics. For older readers, his autobiographical books and adult stories reveal a wider literary career.

Roald Dahl’s shelf is bigger than many people expect. And that is part of the fun.