Richard Adams Books In Order

Publication Order of Watership Down Books

Publication Order of Beklan Empire Books

Publication Order of RichardAdams Standalone Novels

Publication Order of RichardAdams Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Graphic Novels

Publication Order of Picture Books

Publication Order of RichardAdams Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Richard Adams was a noteworthy English author, who was popular for writing science fiction, fantasy, and literature & fiction books. He was particularly famous for writing the Watership Down and the Beklan Empire novel series. Other than these two successful series, he had also written a few standalone books in his career. Prior to the beginning of his writing career, author Adams completed his graduation in modern history and then served for a short duration in the British Army during the Second World War. Following his service in the army, he went on to complete his higher studies and got employed in the Civil Service of England. Adams had an interest in writing for a long time, but didn’t attempt to create his own work. Then, it was in the year 1974 that author Adams attained the status of a full time author. At that time, he had already been published and attained worldwide success. Author Adams was born as Richard George Adams on May 09, 1920 in Wash Common, Newbury, Berkshire, England. His parents were Lilian Rosa and Evelyn Beadon Adams, who used to work as a doctor. Adams studied at the Horris Hill School between the years 1926 and 1933. Then, he joined the Bradfield College and studied there until 1938. Later in that year, author Adams enrolled himself at the Worcester College in Oxford, where he learned modern history. Two years later, Adams was called to serve in the British Army. His first posting was in the Royal Service Corps. Adams was later selected in the Airborne Company. There, he performed the duties of a brigade liaison. Throughout his military career, author Adams was stationed in many countries, including Palestine, Far East, and Europe. Adams considered himself lucky not to have indulged in any direct action against the forces of the Japanese or the Germans.

In 1946, he was released from army duty. He returned back to his hometown and began pursuing his studies from where he had left. Subsequently, author Adams earned his bachelor of Arts degree in 1948, and his master of arts degree in 1953. Immediately after his graduation, Adams joined the Civil Services of the country. After a few years, he rose to the Assistant Secretary’s rank. He was initially in the Housing Ministry & Local Government, and was later transferred to the Environment Department. It was at this point in his life that author Adams started using his spare time to write fiction stories. Adams used to tell a story to his daughters very often to his daughters during road trips. This story, then became the central theme of the book Watership Down. It was only after the frequent insisting from his daughters that Adams decided to publish the story. By taking their advice seriously, author Adams began writing the full length novel in 1966. He finished it in 1972, but was not able to get any publishers or literary agencies to get it publish. Eventually, Rex Collings came forward to release the book. And it got international acclaim soon after its release. The book then sold millions of printed copies over the course of the next few years. Author Adams is known to have won the two most prestigious literary awards of England, the Guardian Fiction Prize and the Carnegie Medal. On the occasion of his 90th birthday, Adams organized a grand party in Whitchurch, Hampshire. At this party, he was presented with a painting from Sir George Young. The death of author Adams occurred on December 24, 2016 in Oxford due to blood disorder complications. Until his last breath, Adams resided with his beloved wife named Elizabeth and his two daughters named Rosamond and Juliet.

A successful book series written by author Richard Adams is known as the Beklan Empire series. This fantasy series is comprised of 2 books in total, which were released between the years 1974 and 1984. Author Adams has written the second book of this series in the form of a loose prequel. It is set a decade before the time period of the first book. Both the books are set in the same empire. Several of the characters are repeated in both the novels. The debut book of the series is entitled ‘Shardik’. It was initially released in the year 1974. Later, the Overlook Duckworth publishers re-published it in 2004. Author Adams has mentioned the main characters of this novel as Kelderek and Lord Shardik, and has set the storyline in the fictional Beklan Empire. At the start of the book’s story, it is shown that Shardik is a fantasy story revolving around a tragic character and is centered around the long awaited reincarnation of a gigantic bear named Shardik, as well as his appearance amidst the half barbaric people of the Ortelgan community. Shardik is seen as a ferocious, unpredictable, and Mighty creature, and goes on to change the every person’s life mentioned in this story. The advent of Shardik causes the beginning of a momentous events chain. Kelderek is introduced as a hunter, who loves the bear and has a huge trust in him. He seems destined to become the first devotee and a prophet of Lord Shardik. Later, Kelderek becomes a victorious soldier, a ruler of the empire, and finally a priest-king. He discovers the deeper layers of the passionate belief in the divinity of the bear.

The next exciting novel of this historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction series is called ‘Maia’. It was published by the Viking Press publishers in the year 1984. The chief characters of this book include Maia, General Kembri, etc. At the beginning of the story of the book, it is depicted that Maia is a 15 year old beautiful girl, who is a peasant by profession and grows up in extreme poverty near Lake Serrelind. She faces a lot of difficulties in her life. Maia’s stepfather tries to seduce her, while her jealous mom betrays her. Maia lands in the hands of the slave traders, who sell her in the form of a concubine. Later, General Kembri gets attracted towards the beauty of Maia, who makes use of her to obtain her admirers’ information. The adventures of Maia help General Kembri uncover the plots of civil war in the city. Because of her assistance in preventing the war, Maia receives the proclamation of a heroine. However, she realizes that her fame has resulted in many enemies, which make her struggle for her survival. At every step of her life, Maia faces cruelty, treachery, lost love, etc. And somehow, she manages to stay alive and avoid the difficulties from affecting her deeply.

One Response to “Richard Adams”

1. Joseph Jonas: 2 years ago

   So much to say, so little space. A child of Tolkien and Lewis as subscribed reading in school (great choices) I found Watership Down and held onto as my own private discovery. After I read Shardik it was obvious to me that Richard Adams belonged in the same breath as Tolkien and Lewis. I wish I could have let Mr. Adams know the profound impact he had in my life before he passed. I will be forever grateful to him for the help in growing as a young man as well as the teaching tools his books provided as I became a father. I am forever grateful.

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