Anna Sewell

Easton Press Anna Sewell books

Black Beauty - Library of Famous Editions  - 1986

Black Beauty and National Velvet (2 Volumes) - 1995

 

 

Author Anna Sewell biography

Anna Sewell, born on March 30, 1820, was an English novelist best known for her beloved work Black Beauty. She was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, into a Quaker family with a deep love and appreciation for horses. Sewell's early years were marked by a profound connection to animals, particularly horses, which would later inspire her to write Black Beauty. However, her life was not without challenges. At the age of fourteen, Sewell sustained a severe injury to her ankle, which left her disabled and reliant on crutches and a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Despite her physical limitations, Sewell remained determined to pursue her passion for writing.

Black Beauty, Sewell's only published novel, was written between 1871 and 1877. The novel is a poignant and moving portrayal of the life of a horse, told from the animal's perspective. Through the eyes of the titular horse, readers are taken on a journey through the joys and hardships of life as a working horse in Victorian England, shedding light on issues such as animal welfare, compassion, and empathy. Published in 1877, Black Beauty was an instant success, captivating readers of all ages with its powerful message and engaging narrative. The novel quickly became a classic of children's literature and remains widely read and cherished to this day.

Despite the success of Black Beauty, Sewell did not live to see the full extent of her novel's impact. She passed away on April 25, 1878, just five months after the publication of her masterpiece, at the age of fifty-eight. However, her legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of Black Beauty and its lasting influence on the way society views and treats animals. Anna Sewell's dedication to advocating for the welfare of animals and her ability to capture the human-animal bond with such grace and sensitivity have earned her a lasting place in literary history. Her work continues to inspire readers and animal lovers around the world, reminding us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in our relationships with animals.