Publishing History

Watership Down is a classic novel written by English author Richard Adams. The book was first published in 1972 by Rex Collings Ltd. in London. The story originated from tales that Adams told his daughters during long car journeys, and after much persuasion, he decided to write them down.

Initially, Adams faced rejection from several publishers, with some deeming the story too peculiar for children and too simplistic for adults. However, Rex Collings saw the potential in the novel and agreed to publish it despite the company's limited resources. The first edition had a modest print run of 2,500 copies, but the book quickly gained popularity through word of mouth.

The success of Watership Down was unexpected and overwhelming. It became a bestseller, allowing Adams to become a full-time author. The novel received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.

Following its initial success, Watership Down was republished by many other publishers and has since been translated into numerous languages. It has also been adapted into an animated film, a television series, and a radio drama, further cementing its status as a beloved work of literature.

The publishing history of Watership Down is a testament to the power of storytelling and the potential of a novel to transcend initial rejections and become a timeless classic.