Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

RIP

Watership Down author Richard Adams dies aged 96

The novel was made into an animated film in 1978.

Movieclips Trailer Vault / YouTube

BRITISH AUTHOR RICHARD Adams, the author of the much-loved classic novel Watership Down, has died at the age of 96, a statement on the book’s website said today.

“Richard’s much-loved family announce with sadness that their dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at 10pm on Christmas Eve,” the statement said.

The tear-jerking tale is about a group of rabbits searching for a new home after the destruction of their warren, encountering perils along the way.

The book, his first novel, was published in 1972, made into an animated film in 1978 and was later into a television series which ran from 1999 to 2001.

Richard Adams death Watership Down author Richard Adams, who has died aged 96, pictured in 1974. PA Wire / PA Images PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images

He told an interviewer that the book started out as a story he told his two young daughters during a long car journey and the novel is dedicated to them.

The book is taught in British schools and he even created “Lapine”, a fictional language, for it.

Adams also wrote Shardik and The Plague Dogs.

- © AFP, 2016

Read: Carrie Fisher has died at the age of 60>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
14
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.