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Watership Down
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Watership Down Hardcover - 2012

by Richard Adams; Aldo Galli (Illustrator)

DiscoverNor revisitNthe enchanting world of the Sandleford Warren rabbits in this first-ever illustrated edition of a celebrated modern classic. Full color.


About this book

Watership Down is an allegorical fantasy novel written by British author Richard Adams, narrating the adventures of a small group of anthropomorphized rabbits as they escape the destruction of their homeland. The story is set in England’s Downs, an idyllic rural home to the small native creatures who possess their own cultures, languages, poetry and mythology. They are soon faced with the settlement of humanity and watch as their land is ravaged by farmland and industrialized commercial advancement. In fear of their lives they leave their homes in hope of finding safety for their family and friends, despite the temptations and perils they are forced to struggle with along the way.

Summary

DiscoverâÈ'or revisitâÈ'the enchanting world of the Sandleford Warren rabbits in this first-ever illustrated edition of a celebrated modern classic.

A phenomenal worldwide bestseller for almost forty years, Richard AdamsâÈçs Watership Down is a timeless classic and one of the most beloved novels of all time. Set in EnglandâÈçs Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage, and survival follows a band of very special rabbits on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.

A book that speaks to our society as vividly as it did nearly half a century ago, this keepsake Scribner Classic edition showcases more than twenty sumptuous, evocative tip-in paintings from Aldo Galli, an illustrator chosen by Richard Adams himself.

First Edition Identification

MacMillan published the first Edition U.S. hardcover copy in 1972. Characterized by tan cloth binding and tan paper over boards, the spine and cover are stamped in gilt. 

The first UK edition was published by Rex Collings, London, in 1972. Characterized by brown cloth wrapping and folding map, as well as a yellow dust jacket.

Details

  • Title Watership Down
  • Author Richard Adams; Aldo Galli (Illustrator)
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition ILL
  • Pages 496
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York
  • Date 2012-10-23
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9781442444058 / 1442444053
  • Weight 3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.7 in (23.11 x 18.80 x 4.32 cm)
  • Ages 13 to 17 years
  • Grade levels 8 - 12
  • Reading level 880
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: British
  • Library of Congress subjects Fantasy fiction, Fantasy
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2012010643
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

To capture the feeling of the verdant English landscape in Richard Adams's "Watership Down" (Atheneum, 496 pages, $29.99), first published in 1972, Aldo Galli painted in the real locations described in the story. In his finely wrought illustrations, the rabbits Hazel and Pipkin crouch beside the real Nuthanger Farm and Hazel, Bigwig and Fiver make their way across the real Hampshire downs. Mr. Galli brings a sense of intensified realism to his depictions in this 40th anniversary edition. Foliage is luxuriantly, impossibly green, and the edges of thingsâÈ'the feathers of birds, the fluff of dandelionsâÈ'look as sharp as if they were cut from glass. As a gift, this edition would suit anyone over the age of 10, including adults.

Citations

  • Hornbook Guide to Children, 07/01/2013, Page 65

About the author

Richard Adams (1920-2016) was educated at Bradfield College and Worcester College, Oxford. He served in the Second World War and in 1948 joined the civil service. In the mid-1960s he completed his first novel, Watership Down, for which he struggled for several years to find a publisher. It was eventually awarded both the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Award for children's fiction for 1972. He would go on to publish several more books, including Shardik, Tales from Watership Down, Maia, The Plague Dogs, and The Girl in a Swing.
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Watership Down (Scribner Classics)
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Watership Down (Scribner Classics)

by Adams, Richard

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Watership Down (Scribner Classics)

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Watership Down (Scribner Classics)
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Watership Down (Scribner Classics)

by Adams, Richard

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Watership Down (Scribner Classics)
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Watership Down (Scribner Classics)

by Adams, Richard

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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