Author's Biography

Watership Down is a classic adventure novel written by English author Richard Adams. Born on May 9, 1920, in Newbury, Berkshire, England, Adams grew up in a rural setting that deeply influenced his love for nature and ultimately inspired his writing. He attended Bradfield College and later studied modern history at Worcester College, Oxford.

Before becoming a writer, Adams served in the British Army during World War II. After the war, he joined the British Civil Service, where he worked until the early 1970s. It was during this time that he began to tell stories to his daughters, Juliet and Rosamond, to entertain them on long car journeys. One of these stories, about a group of rabbits seeking a new home, became the basis for Watership Down.

Adams initially faced rejection from several publishers, but the novel was finally published in 1972. It became an immediate success, praised for its imaginative story, rich characters, and reflections on human society and politics through the lens of the animal world. The book won several awards, including the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.

Following the success of Watership Down, Adams continued to write, producing other novels such as Shardik, The Plague Dogs, and The Girl in a Swing. He also became an advocate for animal rights and environmental conservation.

Richard Adams passed away on December 24, 2016, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved author whose work continues to captivate readers of all ages.