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Cover of Watership Down
Adventure· United Kingdom

Watership Down

by Richard Adams
Aggregate Editorial Score70/100
★Carnegie Medal
Published 1972478 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of adventure have earned the sustained critical attention that Watership Down (1972) by Richard Adams continues to receive. Hazel and his band of rabbits flee the destruction of their warren to find a new home in Adams's epic adventure of rabbit society, leadership, and freedom. Adams's novel is both a thrilling adventure story and a profound meditation on community, governance, and the natural world. Themes of community, leadership, freedom run through the work. The book has received recognition from BBC Big Read 1972 and Carnegie Medal 1972.

Book Details

AuthorRichard Adams
Published1972
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages478
Category⚔️ Adventure
ISBN9780743277709
Editorial Score70/100
About the Category

⚔️ Adventure

Action-driven stories of exploration, danger, and survival.

Explore all Adventure books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Richard Adams published Watership Down in 1972, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of adventure from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of community, leadership, freedom, nature accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Watership Down among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: BBC Big Read 1972; Carnegie Medal 1972. Our aggregate score of 70/100 is compiled from 2 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Watership Down lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of community, leadership, freedom, nature is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Richard Adams occupies a significant position. Watership Down is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
list · national
197217
Carnegie Medal
winner · national
197248
✍️
About the Author
Richard Adams
United Kingdom
View Author →

Richard Adams is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Watership Down about?

Hazel and his band of rabbits flee the destruction of their warren to find a new home in Adams's epic adventure of rabbit society, leadership, and freedom. Adams's novel is both a thrilling adventure story and a profound meditation on community, governance, and the natural world.

Who wrote Watership Down?

Watership Down was written by Richard Adams, from United Kingdom. First published in 1972.

What awards has Watership Down won?

Watership Down has received the following awards and honours: BBC Big Read 1972; Carnegie Medal 1972.

Is Watership Down worth reading?

Watership Down is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 62/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in community, leadership, freedom.

Where can I buy Watership Down?

You can buy Watership Down on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Watership Down?

Watership Down is classified as Adventure. Action-driven stories of exploration, danger, and survival.

What country is Watership Down from?

Watership Down originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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