Richard Adams ​

Richard George Adams was an English novelist who is best known for his novels about animals, in particular the fantasy novel "Watership Down." He also wrote "Shardik" and "The Girl in a Swing," among other novels. Adams' works often contain a deep reflection of nature and its balance.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote the classic book Watership Down, which was also turned into a successful animated film and recently a television series.
• His novel, The Plague Dogs, was also adapted into an animated film.
• Makes use of animals and the natural world as the main characters in his books.
• Awarded the Carnegie Medal from the Library Association for the year's best children's book by a British subject.
• His works have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into several languages.

Background ​

Adams was born in 1920 in Newbury, Berkshire, England, and was the son of a country doctor. He was educated at Bradfield College and then went on to study History at Worcester College, Oxford. He served in the army during World War II in Asia and the Middle East. After the war, he returned to England and joined the civil service, working for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Writing was always a hobby for him; but it was not until 1972 that his first novel, Watership Down, was published. It immediately became a bestseller and has since been adapted into several films and a television series. He wrote several other successful books like Shardik and The Plague Dogs, often featuring his love for nature and animals. He passed away in 2016.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Known for his fantasy novels, Adams' writing style is descriptive and detailed, immersing his readers into meticulously crafted worlds. The themes of his works often revolve around environmental preservation, social harmony, and the adventurous spirit. His most well-known work, "Watership Down," achieved great acclaim for its portrayal of sentient animals, bringing an element of sophistication and depth to a genre usually aimed at children. His work has sparked debate around the status and treatment of animals, and he has been recognized for raising awareness about animal rights through his novels.

Notable Works ​

• Watership Down (1972)
• Shardik (1974)
• The Plague Dogs (1977)
• Tales from Watership Down (1996)