Black Beauty

Affordable, no rips or tears or anything like that, only had like 2 scuffs but not super noticeable so thats good. I highly recommend this book😊

The success of Uncle Tom’s Cabin led abolitionist Frederick Douglass to write that “nothing could have better suited the moral and humane requirements of the hour. Its effect was amazing, instantaneous, and universal.” Recognizing this impact, Anna Sewell determined to write the “Uncle Tom’s Cabin of the horse,” as told from the perspective of an actual horse named Black Beauty. Although Black Beauty wasn’t the first autobiography of an animal, the idea that a horse would have a life story to tell in his own words, detailing both the horrors and kindness he received from various masters, was revolutionary for the time. Sewell may have set out to do for horses what Harriet Beecher Stowe had done for African-descended slaves, but Black Beauty’s first-year sales quickly surpassed those of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, reaching international acclaim. Not all societies practiced human slavery, but virtually all of human civilization at that point was powered by equines who were forced to work under the constant threat of whipping or worse. According to authors Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy, 19th century animal movement leaders like Massachusetts SCPA founder George Thorndike Angell “dreamed of creating a new literature of animal appreciation, and he succeeded beyond all expectation, launching one of the nineteenth century’s best-selling novels and helping thereby to create a whole new genre of animal storytelling.” The popularization of Black Beauty by animal advocates like Angell sparked public outrage and real-world reforms, most notably the abolition of the check-rein — a device that painfully forced horses to keep their heads raised — and a campaign against tail-docking. But the book also forced readers simply to imagine what life must be like for a horse, encouraging readers to have empathy and give them a voice when they witnessed equine abuse, which was routine and widespread. Black Beauty opened people’s eyes to the possibility that an animal could have a point of view. Horses were transformed in the story from mere commodities to individuals with personalities, likes and dislikes, and most importantly, a desire to avoid the suffering that humans so frequently deliver upon them.

Great book. She'd many tears reading it and I sobbed at the ending so happy great book very hard to put down

This book is so well written that it translates very well from generation to generation. Our 8 yr old granddaughter loves to read and has a keen sense for a well written story but since it becomes a little heavy as the story develops the book being read to her. I appreciate that the illustrations are what they are but I wish I could have found an edition that had more variety. It's such a rich story that it really lends itself to elaborate and colorful illustrations so the attention of those who are slightly younger as well as older can easily be drawn into the storyline without being an edited addition. Other than that who can complain about such a classic? Our granddaughter loves animals and a good book. This is a natural fit for her.

A cherished classic from the Victorian Era. As an English Major I have a whole new perspective on this novel than I once did, for Black Beauty is an authentic depiction of the treatment of animals during that era. Animals before were mainly seen as beast of burden, or submissive creatures beneath both God and man. However, the animal was coming into a new light, a light of intelligence and emotion, where-else before seen as simply dumb. I won't bore you with all the historic significance of this novel, except that it turned many mind towards the well being of their animals and laws to be introduced for their health. Anna Sewell only book changed the world, alike to Charles Dickens 'Oliver Twist' to child labor, or Charlotte Brontë's 'Shirley' to feminism and the "women-question." And any adult can enjoy Black Beauty, it is not a children's book but a masterpiece published to sway those who handled horses: "a special aim [was] to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses" - Anna Sewell. Also, a good companion to the unabridged classic is Warner Bros 1994 film starring Sean Bean (James Bond: Golden Eye, Game of Thrones), Andrew Knot (The Secret Garden), and David Thewlis (Harry Potter as Professor Lupin, Fargo), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey, Knightfall). It follows the book pretty well, with a few deviations (that I will not spoil for you). Concerning the Scholastic Classics 2001 Edition, each chapter contain a lovely, detailed image with a few, smaller images here and there throughout the novel. Growing-up with this edition I felt the need to re-purchase it after losing my original copy. This edition is unabridged and has a green cover with an introduction by Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted.

This was one of my favorite books as a child and I was happy to read it again! I do recommend this book to anyone who loves animals, for Black Beauty is one of my favorites.

First, let me state that I do not like to read books about animals. I am not an animal hater! I just do not have a special interest. So, it would surprise you to know that I read Black Beauty by English author Anna Sewell. I mean, Black Beauty is a horse. The amount of times that I have declined invitations to ride a horse would Blow. Your. Mind. But, it is a famous classic and free to download. It would also surprise you to know that, aside from a few cracks about how nothing is happening but dumb horse stuff, I enjoyed reading this book. Mostly because I forgot that I was reading about a horse. The book is written as an autobiography—Black Beauty narrates his own life story. Since horses do not in reality voice their opinions,it is easy to think that the protagonist is a badly-used human laborer. I suppose that was the aim of Sewell, an invalid who relied on horses for transportation: to humanize the voiceless horses during the late nineteenth century to bring reform and compassion. The book certainly made me compassionate for Black Beauty, whose life was difficult. Black Beauty begins as a colt on a farm owned by a wise horse breeder. He is sold to a kind benefactor at a large estate, where he lives for many blissful years. Unfortunately, when this period in his life ends, his owners decrease in wealth and are not always wise or kind. As he exchanges owners, he meets other horses who tell him their life story and the reader is exposed to the evils of fashion, drunkenness, religion,and poverty. Throughout his struggle, Black Beauty maintains an optimistic and persevering spirit and is rewarded with a situation that will support him as he ages.

Incredible amazing movie black beauty it came today ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐