Black Beauty

Black Beauty was written by English novelist Anna Sewell, and published in 1877. It quickly became extremely popular, and led to increased activism and public concern for the humane treatment of horses and other animals. It went on to become one of best-selling novels of all time, and has been adapted numerous times into films and theatre productions. Sewell used her novel to explore themes such as kindness and responsibility, and to critique social problems such as alcohol abuse, animal cruelty, and the impacts of the Industrial Revolution. This guide references the Oxford World Classics edition. Abusive treatment towards animals is referenced in the guide.

Black Beauty is set in England in the 19th century, and is narrated in the first-person by a horse named Black Beauty. Beauty begins his life by describing a happy childhood growing up on a farm with a loving mother. When he is old enough, he is trained to carry a rider, or pull a cart or carriage. While some aspects of this training are stressful, Beauty is trained to be confident, patient, and calm. He is determined to always work hard, and to do his best to please his owner.

Once his training is complete, Beauty is purchased by a well-off man named Squire Gordon.