RIP 2016

British author Richard Adams, 69, whose 1972 book "Watership Down" became a classic of children's literature died on Dec. 27.

Evoking epic themes, the novel follows the rabbits as they escape the destruction of their warren and seek a place to establish a new home, encountering perils and temptations along the way.

Fidel Castro, 90, died on November 25. He was a divisive figure, but it's undeniable that he was one of the most extraordinary political figures of the 20th Century. In this revealing text, the former Cuban leader makes his opinion on international politics, Latin America, and the future of Cuba.

Muhammad Ali, 74, died on June 3. And the silver-tongued boxer was more than an award-winning sportsman - the civil rights champion and devout Muslim spent a life not confined to the boxing ring.

Debbie Reynolds, 84, died on the last days of the year on 28 December, and also a day after her daughter Carrie Fisher. Make 'Em Laugh is her amazing collection of personal anecdotes of her life in Hollywood filled with bigwigs. She burst onto the bigscreen as Kathy Selden in Singin in the Rain, and we'll remember her for her larger than life personality and zeal.

There would be no The Beatles if not for the fact that Paul McCartney and John Lennon met at a random gig. But the band wouldn't be what it was if not for George Martin - their manager.

The urbane producer died at 90 on March 9 George Martin, 90. And it was him who quietly guided the band's swift, historic transformation from rowdy club act to musical and cultural revolutionaries. Tony Bramwell was with The Beatles at every step of their meteoric rise, so expect Magical Mystery Tours to give you an unprecedented level of intimacy and detail.

David Bowie, 69, died on January 10. And while we remember his fantastic music, fashion sense, and all in all space oddities, we also are reminded of his essential reading list.

This 1929 novel is on his To Read List, and is considered one of the most important pieces of literature of the Weimar Republic (then Germany). The novel revolves around protaganist Alexanderplatz, an ex-convict who circles life in misery, poverty, crime, lack of opportunities and the imminent loom of Nazisim in the 20s. It's a stark portrayal of Germany at that time and one that will make you recognise the harshness of life.

Harper Lee, 89, died on February 19. And her child's-eye view of racial injustice in a small Southern town in "To Kill a Mockingbird" became standard reading for millions.

The elusive author was always relevant, and when she published the followup, "Go Set a Watchman", she definitely cemented herself as one of the most prolific authors crossing from the 20th to the 21st century.