Mildenhall Treasure, The [Import] [Paperback]

Roald Dahl (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Jonathan Cape (1999)
• ISBN-10: 0224046454
• ISBN-13: 978-0224046459
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was born in Llandaff, South Wales, and went to Repton School in England. His parents were Norwegian, so holidays were spent in Norway. As he explains in Boy, he turned down the idea of university in favor of a job that would take him to"a wonderful faraway place. In 1933 he joined the Shell Company, which sent him to Mombasa in East Africa. When World War II began in 1939 he became a fighter pilot and in 1942 was made assistant air attaché in Washington, where he started to write short stories. His first major success as a writer for children was in 1964. Thereafter his children's books brought him increasing popularity, and when he died children mourned the world over, particularly in Britain where he had lived for many years.The BFG is dedicated to the memory of Roald Dahls eldest daughter, Olivia, who died from measles when she was seven - the same age at which his sister had died (fron appendicitis) over forty years before. Quentin Blake, the first Children's Laureate of the United Kingdom, has illustrated most of Roald Dahl's children's books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roald Dahl met and interviewed the finder of the treasure, December 23, 2001

By 

K. Corn "reviewer" (midwest, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Mildenhall Treasure (Hardcover)

One might argue that this book about the greatest treasure ever found in the British Isles is itself a rare find. Roald Dahl was able to interview Gordon Butcher, the man who originally found the Roman silver on his land, no small feat since Butcher had become suspicious of writers and journalists after being cheated out of a fortune that should have been his. The account, mostly in Butcher's own words, of the discovery is absolutely entrancing and Dahl has the wisdom to keep the story tight and lean, while preserving the details about Butcher and that memorable day when his life changed forever.
I have had a hard time finding true historical accounts which I can share with my entire family and which will hold the interest of both children and adults. With pictures on nearly every page (by the inimitable Ralph Steadman) and vivid writing which makes history come alive, this one fits the bill.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mildenhall, November 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mildenhall Treasure (Hardcover)

The easy reading style of Dahl is at its best in the Mildenhall treasure, when fast development mixed with a human element are concerned. He allows the user to empathise with characters and feel the disapointment not only of the good but also those of more dubious character. He gives an insight into peoples lives which should not be possible in such a short space. A very good read, to see the darker side of human character and the way in which naivity is often ruthlessly exploited, however despite this the book is kept light and readable with vivid images and interesting content, a worthwhile read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous true tale of treasure lost and found and lost again!, June 1, 2008

By 

P. Neech (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mildenhall Treasure (Hardcover)

A short but wonderful story of finding real treasure!!! The biggest find of Roman Silver ever in the UK. However it is the 'human' element within this story that makes it so thrilling. Greed does terrible things to us all.....
This is a great story for kids but I was 28 when I first read it. I have remembered it so vividly for all these years ( I am now in my 40's..) I just had to buy a copy to keep for myself. If you love archaeology and can imagine the thrill of finding something truely gobsmackingly amazing... this is a great read!