The original text
Published in 1877, Black Beauty is one of literature’s bestloved
classics and is the only book that Anna Sewell ever
wrote. Four films of the book have been made, the most
recent in 1994.
The book gave readers a unique insight into equine
life. The character of Beauty was based on her brother’s
horse, Bessie, and Merrylegs was based on Sewell’s own
much loved grey pony. Although the book only earned
Sewell twenty pounds at the time it was published, it was
instrumental in abolishing the cruel practice of using
the bearing rein. It had a strong moral purpose and
highlighted the need for a more humane approach in the
treatment of animals.
Today some critics think that Black Beauty is too
sentimental, but it has sold over thirty million copies since
it was published and is a favourite with animal lovers.