The Umbrella Man and Other Stories

by Roald Dahl

Book Overview

Is it really possible to invent a machine that does the job of a writer? What is it about the landlady's house that makes it so hard for her guests to leave? Does Sir Basil Turton value most his wife or one of his priceless sculptures? These compelling tales are a perfect introduction to the adult writing of a storytelling genius.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670878545
• ISBN13: 9780670878543
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Viking Children's Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Great set of stories for a teens/preteens

I bought this collection of Dahl Stories for my son, who is 11 years old. My son has read most of Dahl's children stories and "Boy" and loved them. He raced trough this book and enjoyed every story (I heard him laugh out loud while reading the book several times). A great book!

Umbrella Man

I am a huge Roald Dahl fan, so naturally I am a bit biased. I love this compilation of short stories, and I constantly reread my favorites, which include Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat, The Butler, Man from the South, The Landlady, The Umbrella Man, The Way Up to Heaven, Royal Jelly, Taste, and Neck. If you like Roald Dahl's stories as much as I do, I recommend Dahl's Omnibus, which compiles most, if not all of his short works.

For Adults Too

I'm 23 and I read this book at the advice of my 12-year-old brother. It was really great! Dahl's stories are orinal, witty, and strange enough to make things really interesting. Dahl lays out his stories in a way to make you feel that you are reading a sort of twisted fairy tale, using surreal language and situations. It is really unlike anything I have ever read before and it is sure to spark your imagination whether you are young or old.

Very Witty...

This book is for any Dahl lover. These are his writings before he was a children's author. Some of the stories are very funny, while one made me very sad. My favorite was about a man who will trade his pinky for a car. They relate to humans nowadays. They are very different from his children's works. This book can be read by all ages, so pick it up now.

I love this book!

I like this book better than all of Roald Dahl's children's books! He is creative in this one as in all of his other ones. And in this one he makes you read between the lines. My favorite story is the one about the lady and her husband in the elevator.