Black Beauty

Black Beauty

Summary

"You saved your mistress's life, Beauty! yes, you saved her life"

Black Beauty is the prettiest young horse in the meadows, and spends many happy days under the apple trees with his friends Ginger and Merrylegs. But this easy life comes to an end when Beauty is sold and goes from farm to inn to cabhorse in London, enduring rough treatment from foolish and careless masters. Beauty remains faithful, hardworking and full of spirit despite his trials, and through him we learn that all horses and humans alike deserve to be treated with kindness.

BACKSTORY: Find out about the unusual author and learn some horsey vocabulary.

Reviews

  • One of the greatest books ever narrated by a horse, with a fine message: be kind to animals, and they'll be kind to you
    Michael Morpurgo, Guardian

About the author

Anna Sewell

Anna Sewell (1820-78) was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Black Beauty, her only book, was completed and published in 1877, just a few months before she died, so she did not live to know of the book's huge success. Apart from being a good story, Black Beauty was instrumental in changing people's attitudes towards horses, and domestic animals in general.
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