Black Beauty: Illustrated Classics (Abridged Version)

Anna Sewell was born in Norfolk, England, on March 30, 1820. Due to their family’s financial condition, Sewell was taught at home by her mother, who was an author of several children’s books. At a young age, Sewell slipped and the injuries in her ankles left her crippled for life. Her love for horses developed when she began driving horse-drawn carriages. Sewell was troubled by their inhumane treatment. Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse was written “to induce kindness, sympathy and an understanding treatment of horses.” Giving an insight into the sufferings and cruel treatment of horses in Victorian England, the book instantly became a bestseller after its first publication in 1877. Sewell died in Old Catton, Norfolk, on April 25, 1878, after being confined to bed for months. One of the top ten bestselling novels for children, Black Beauty is considered one of the first major animal stories in children’s literature. It continues remain a popular children’s classic.