Richard Adams

Richard Adams was a prominent English author most famous for his captivating storytelling in particular the novel 'Watership Down', along with his deep connection with nature, stemming from the love he had for the countryside around his home, particularly that of Alresford, Hampshire.

Born on May 9, 1920, in Newbury, Berkshire, Adams had a profound impact on the world of literature, particularly through his iconic 1970's books; 'Watership Down' (1972) and 'The Plague Dogs.' (1977). Beyond his famous literary contributions to the world of fiction, he also played a significant role in raising awareness about environmental conservation.

Adams possessed a vivid imagination from an early age, and his love for storytelling flourished throughout his life. Perhaps it was destined that in 1972 he would publish his most celebrated book, 'Watership Down'.

This epic novel follows the journey of a group of anthropomorphized rabbits who flee their warren in search of a new home. The origin of this classic book about the warren of rabbits evicted from their habitat, due to man's destruction of nature, was founded in Adams' first hand observations of rabbits living in the wild, and the stories he used to tell to his own children.

The seeds of the 'Watership Down' story were first sown during a car journey, as a tale told to his two young daughters Juliet and Rosamond to pass the time. Adams skillfully infused this tale with layer upon layer of appealing characters, intense adventures, and a profound exploration of themes such as leadership, friendship, and the struggle for survival. The rabbit characters themselves formed a deeply complex civilisation, even with its own myth and folklore. The rabbit's own personalities were drawn from the character of Officers Richard Adams himself had known during the Second World War. His little girls loved this impromptu tale so much he was finally encouraged to write the story as the book 'Watership Down'.

Initially he was turned down by several major publishing companies. Finally, a small independent publisher Rex Collings, agreed to publish the book, demonstrating the power of small independent businesses to make a change in the world. Almost immediately this epic story about the band of rabbits became a literary sensation and earned Adams worldwide acclaim. It even held the record for the highest sum paid for paperback rights for the book and many of us have fond memories of that first vintage paperback edition of 'Watership Down' with its wonderful cover art by 'Narnia' illustrator Pauline Baynes. The book has also now been adapted as an animated tale twice to much success, 'Bright Eyes' the song by Art and Garfunkel became a theme for the animated movies.

Translated into over twenty languages the book continues to appeal to adults and children alike. In fact, Adams said he made no distinction as to whether the book should be intended solely for children. He is quoted as saying:

'I do not, myself, recognise the distinction between publications for children and for adults...In my view, the distinction may do more harm than good by deterring children from reading books which they would enjoy if left to themselves but which they have been told are for "adults".'

Here he echoes the sentiments of another great children's author C.S. Lewis who is quoted as saying that:

'A book that is not worth reading when you are sixty is not worth reading when you're six'.

The phenomenal success of 'Watership Down' solidified Adams' place as a master storyteller and established his unique voice in the realm of fiction.

The Final Chapter
Richard Adams lived a long and incredibly fruitful life, remaining a dedicated protector of the natural world until the very end. He passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2016, at the age of 96. His daughter, Juliet, noted that he died as he had lived: with a quiet grace and a mind still full of stories. He was buried in his beloved Alresford, Hampshire—the very countryside that inspired the "downs" of his most famous work. Though he has left the "Physical Warren," his legacy endures through the thousands of acres of countryside he helped protect and the millions of readers who, because of him, look at a wild rabbit with a little more wonder and empathy.

Further to the success of 'Watership Down', Adams continued to captivate readers with his novel 'Shardik' (1974), which delves into the life of a mythical bear. However, it was his 1977 novel 'The Plague Dogs' that further showcased his ability to intertwine compelling narratives with important social and environmental issues.

'The Plague Dogs' storyline follows two dogs who escape from a research facility, highlighting the ethical treatment of animals and the importance of animal welfare. Through his poignant storytelling, Adams shed light on the mistreatment of animals in laboratory testing and sparked conversations about the need for compassion and empathy toward all living creatures.

Beyond his literary achievements, Adams had a profound passion for conservation. He actively engaged in environmental causes and used his platform to advocate for the protection of wildlife and the preservation of natural habitats. His experiences growing up in the English countryside deeply influenced his love for nature and instilled in him a sense of responsibility to safeguard the environment. Adams' commitment to conservation was reflected in his works, as he often explored the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.

Adams became a full time author in following the success of his best loved book 'Watership Down', having won the Carnegie Medal as well as the Guardian Children's Book Prize. In addition to his writing and conservation efforts, Adams worked as a civil servant for many years, demonstrating his dedication to public service. Despite his demanding professional life, he managed to channel his creativity and love for literature into crafting timeless tales that continue to captivate readers of all ages.

Richard Adams' impact on literature and conservation is immeasurable. His ability to craft compelling narratives, infuse his works with moral depth, and inspire readers to appreciate the wonders of the natural world sets him apart as a truly remarkable author. Through 'Watership Down', 'The Plague Dogs', and his other literary contributions, Adams not only entertained generations of readers but also instilled in them a greater sense of empathy and environmental consciousness as well as deepening love for wild life and nature.

Richard Adams' great legacy as an author and conservationist lives on, serving as a reminder of the power of storytelling to ignite change and inspire a deeper appreciation for the world around us. His greatest book 'Watership Down' was written around the time of the Myxomatosis crisis for rabbits - after this awful disease had been purposefully introduced in France to control Rabbit populations and eventually spreading to the UK decimating populations of wild rabbits across the countryside.

'Watership Down' highlighted, during a time of changing attitudes, how we have a responsibility to protect nature and that wild animals have an equally valid claim to their wild habitat as we do. Through this commitment to raising awareness about wildlife and encouraging conservation Richard Adams' legacy and love for animals will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his influence will endure for years to come.
Books by this Author