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Autograph letter signed by the great children's storyteller Roald Dahl. One page, handwritten letter to American writer and Playboy editor Ray Russell, responding to an inquiry soliciting contributions. The letter reads in full, "Oct. 14th Dear Mr. Russell Sorry not to have answered your letter before, but I've been away in England. I've told my agent about your inquiry. (Ana Watkins, 77 Park Ave. N. Y.) and she said she'd be happy to try to help you if you'd like to get in touch with her direct. Thanks for writing. Best Roald Dahl." Ray Russell was an American author and screenwriter whose work, particularly in horror and speculative fiction, is noted for blending literary sophistication with pulp sensibilities, exemplified by his influential novella Sardonicus and contributions to Playboy magazine's fiction in the mid-20th century. In very good condition with light toning, a small lose to the top left corner, and a closed tear to the top edge. Accompanied by a carbon copy of Russell's letter to Dahl, "August 30, 1955 Dear Mr. Dahl, This is to express interest in your work and to ask if we may be permitted to consider some of your latest stories. Playboy is a rapidly-growing magazine for the urban man, and, as such, we feel your work is very well-suited to our readership. Stories such as 'Taste' and 'Nunc Dimittis,' for example, would have been perfect for us. We are now paying $1000 and up for lead stories, with equally good rates for others. May we hear from you or your agent? Cordially, Ray Russell Executive Editor." In very good condition with toning and creasing to the top right corner. Roald Dahl (1916â "1990) was a British author whose imaginative storytelling and darkly comic tone reshaped the landscape of childrenâ s literature in the 20th century. Best known for works such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG, Dahl combined elements of fantasy, satire, and moral justice, often centering child protagonists who resist authoritarian adults. In addition to his literary success, Dahl made notable contributions to film as a screenwriter, adapting Ian Flemingâ s You Only Live Twice (1967) for the James Bond franchise and scripting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), which similarly blends whimsy with suspense. His work in both literature and film reflects a distinctive narrative voice marked by fantastical plots, inventive language, and dark undertones.
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