Roald Dahl's novel Danny, the Champion of the World was originally published in 1975, not 1980. The year 1980 is notable because the book's illustrator, Quentin Blake, won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal that year, and it was also the publication date for a paperback edition by Puffin Books.
Publication Details
Original Publication Year: The novel was first published in 1975. The first US edition was released by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., on February 14, 1975, and the first UK edition by Jonathan Cape the same year.
1980 Paperback Edition: Puffin Books published a paperback version of Danny, the Champion of the World in 1980.
Illustrator Award: Quentin Blake, the illustrator for many of Dahl's books including this one, won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1980, though not necessarily for this specific work, but it highlights the illustrator's prominence around that time.
Summary of the Book
Danny, the Champion of the World is a children's novel that centers on a young boy, Danny, and his father, William, who live in a gypsy caravan and run a car repair shop. The plot revolves around their close bond and a daring scheme they concoct to poach pheasants from the land of the wealthy and unkind Mr. Victor Hazell, which ultimately leads to humiliating the rich snob. The story is known for its heartwarming portrayal of the father-son relationship and the clever triumph of the underdog. The novel also features the first appearance of the BFG character, whom Danny's father describes in a bedtime story.