Nicholas Evans, author of the best-selling novel "The Horse Whisperer," died Wednesday at his home in Montana. He was 72.
United Agents announced Evans's death, saying he died from a heart attack.
“He lived a full and happy life in his home on the banks of the River Dart in Devon,” the statement added.
Evans was best known for his 1995 novel The Horse Whisperer . The story of "The Horse Whisperer" is one that captured the world's attention. The novel sold millions upon copies and was even translated into 40 languages worldwide!
In 1998 director Robert Redford paired up with actor Dunst to star alongside him in this film adaptation which became a hit.
When Evans met a blacksmith who told him about this “horse whisperer,” an almost mystical figure able to heal traumatized ponies by uttering a few gentle words, he was inspired for his new book. Of course, the story captivated Evans, considering he grew up in the English countryside playing cowboys and Indians.
He followed “The Horse Whisperer” with three more novels,“The Loop,” “The Smoke Jumper,” “The Divide,” and “The Brave” all best sellers.
Born in 1950 to Anthony Benbow Evans and Eileen (Whitehouse) Evans in Worcestershire, he studied law at Oxford University. In the 1970s, he covered U.S politics and foreign affairs for a newspaper in America before moving to London, where he worked at Weekend Television producing films.
He is survived by his wife Charlotte and their four children, Finlay, Lauren, Max, and Harry.
Resources
- Farmer-Dougan VA, Dougan JD. THE MAN WHO LISTENS TO BEHAVIOR: FOLK WISDOM AND BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS FROM A REAL HORSE WHISPERER. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. 1999;72(1):139-149. doi:10.1901/jeab.1999.72-139