The Roald Dahl Treasury

THE Roald Dahl Treasury brings together some of the most dazzling moments in the work of this extraordinary writer. In this collection we see Roald Dahl in all his moods and it shows why his writing has become an essential part of childhood.

   Four themed sections - Animals; Magic; Family, Friends and Foes; and Matters of Importance - take the reader on a journey into Roald Dahl's unique imagination. In each section, you will find complete stories, extracts from longer fiction, rhymes and memoirs as well as some unpublished poetry and letters. A host of Roald Dahl's best-loved characters are here, from the Enormous Crocodile to Willy Wonka, from the Minipins to the Twits, from James to Matilda.

   The Roald Dahl Treasury features a large number of pictures by Quentin Blake, Roald Dahl's principal illustrator; many of these have been drawn especially for this collection. In addition there is work by a few selected artists: Patrick Benson, Raymond Briggs, Babette Cole, Bert Kitchen, Lane Smith, Posy Simmonds, Ralph Steadman, Fritz Wegner and Christopher Wormell.

   "Above all," Roald Dahl once implored his readers, "watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." You will find a touch of magic on every single page of this book. It is the perfect gift for any child (if there is such a child) unfamiliar with the work of Roald Dahl - just as it is perfect for all Dahl's fans.

   Roald Dahl is the most important children's writer of this century. His stories and rhymes will delight children and adults long into the next.