Richard Adams dies aged 96

[Zaune]

BBC News

The author of Watership Down, Richard Adams, has died aged 96, his daughter has said.

The tear-jerking children's classic about a group of rabbits in search of a new home after the destruction of their warren was first published in 1972.

The tale, first told by Adams on a long car journey with his daughters, turned into a best-seller.

Adams, from Newbury in Berkshire, also wrote Shardik, The Plague Dogs and The Girl in a Swing.

Watership Down, which won the Carnegie Medal for children's fiction in the year of publication, was first adapted for screen in 1978.

A statement on a website devoted to the book, Watership Down Enterprises, said: "Richard's much-loved family announce with sadness that their dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at 10pm on Christmas Eve."

His death was marked with a passage from his best-known work.

"It seemed to Hazel that he would not be needing his body any more, so he left it lying on the edge of the ditch, but stopped for a moment to watch his rabbits and to try to get used to the extraordinary feeling that strength and speed were flowing inexhaustibly out of him into their sleek young bodies and healthy senses.

"You needn't worry about them," said his companion. "They'll be alright - and thousands like them."'

[The Romulan Republic]

I didn't know that he was still alive.

Still, 96 is a good long life, at least, and he was a talented author. Watership Down is one of my favourite fantasy novels.

Rest in peace, Mr. Adams.

Edit: Of all the times to lose a loved one, though, on Christmas Eve. I feel particularly bad for his family.