Richard Adams, the author of the classic novel "Watership Down," died Christmas Eve, his family announced Tuesday.
The English novelist and World War II veteran was 52 when his book was first published. "Watership Down" is the story of a group of rabbits looking for a new home. Adams gave his rabbit characters human-like attributes, a unique culture and even their own language.
The book eventually sold tens of millions of copies around the world, the BBC reports. The book is set to be adapted to TV in 2017.
I assured him that he was much loved, that he had done great work, that many people loved his books.
Adams wrote several other books, but none attracted the attention of "Watership Down," his first novel. The story started as a tale to occupy his kids' time on a road trip. He later wrote it down and spent years seeking a publisher. Many rejected it, since the sometimes violent rabbits in the story didn't fit the mold of being cute and cuddly, the BBC reports.
WATCH | The book spawned a movie that was mostly remembered for being far too terrifying than its target audience of children.
We are very sad to learn about the death of the author Richard Adams, who has died at the age of 96. pic.twitter.com/Yp9RjI6T9d
— Waterstones (@Waterstones) December 27, 2016
Literature fans are devastated.
“Watership Down” Author Richard Adams Dead at 96, RIP pic.twitter.com/1sIL6nrdh8
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) December 27, 2016
The book was a favorite for American readers, too.
Richard Adams, author of one of my favorite novels (Watership Down) died today. El-Ahrairah finally came to take him back to the Owsla. RIP. pic.twitter.com/a81A7sm06v
— Redhead Redemption 2 (@PeachSaliva) December 27, 2016
Fan tributes referenced the rabbits' descriptions of death.
WATCH | For more news you need, check out our 60 Second Circa.
