Richard Adams
Born in 1920
Richard Adams was born in Newbury, Berkshire, and educated at Bradfield College and Worcester College, Oxford.
He served in the British Army during World War II. After the war, Adams worked as a civil servant until 1974, when he became a full-time author following the success of Watership Down.
The novel, originally told to his daughters, was rejected by 13 publishers before becoming a bestseller.
Adams also served as President of the RSPCA and ran for political office as an Independent Conservative.
His writing career was launched later in life, with Watership Down becoming his most successful and enduring work.
