Publisher's Synopsis
Black Beauty is an 1877 novel by English author Anna Sewell. It was composed in the last years of her life, during which she remained in her house as an invalid. The novel became an immediate bestseller, with Sewell dying just five months after its publication, long enough to see her first and only novel become a success. With fifty million copies sold, Black Beauty is one of the best-selling books of all time. While forthrightly teaching animal welfare, it also teaches how to treat people with kindness, sympathy, and respect. Black Beauty became a forerunner to the pony book genre of children's literature. In 2003, the novel was listed at number 58 on the BBC's survey The Big Read. Horses Darkie/Black Beauty/Black Auster/Jack/Blackie/Old Crony-The narrator of the story, a handsome black horse. He begins his career as a carriage horse for wealthy people but when he "breaks his knees" (i.e. develops scars on his knees after a bad fall) he is no longer considered presentable enough and is put to much harder work. He passes through the hands of a series of owners, some cruel, some kind. He always tries his best to serve humans despite the circumstances. Duchess (nicknamed "Pet")-Beauty's and Rob Roy's mother, who encourages Beauty to be good from a young age. Rob Roy-A fellow black horse from Beauty's original farm, who is killed in a hunting incident (along with his rider, Squire Gordon's only son). It is later learned that he was Beauty's half-brother, an older son of Duchess. Lizzie- A high-strung, nervous mare whom Lady Anne rides one day and is spooked until Black Beauty comes to her aid with his rider. Ginger-A companion of Beauty's at Birtwick Park, she is named for her chestnut colour and her habit of biting, which is often how the spice, ginger, is described. Ginger is a more aggressive horse due to her traumatic upbringing. After being ridden by Lord George in a steeplechase her back is strained. Beauty meets Ginger for the last time as broken-down cab horses in London, and later a cart with a dead horse (whom Beauty believes is Ginger), passes by Beauty. Merrylegs-A short, dappled grey, handsome pony who is polite to humans and horses alike. He is ridden by the young daughters at Bihari Park, then sent to live with a vicar who promises never to sell him. Sir Oliver-An older horse who had his tail docked, to his great annoyance and discomfort. Rory-A job horse usually paired with Black Beauty. Became a coal carting horse after getting hit in the chest by cart driven on the wrong side of the road. Peggy-A hired horse who cannot run very fast due to her short legs. She runs at an odd hopping pace. When pulling a carriage she often gets whipped for not keeping up with a faster horses. Sold to two ladies who wanted a safe horse. Unnamed young horse-paired with Beauty after Peggy leaves. Often frightened by things he cannot see as he doesn't know whether they are dangerous or not. Captain-A former army horse who witnessed horrific incidents in the Crimean War, although he was well treated and received no serious wounds. He lost his beloved master in the Charge of the Light Brigade. He became a cab horse for Jerry, where he works with Black Beauty. After he is injured due to a collision with a drunk driver Jerry has him shot rather than send him to work as a cart horse. Hotspur-A five year old horse bought to replace Captain. Jerry sells him to Grant when he leaves London. Justice-A calm, peaceful horse Beauty meets at Birtwick Park. A great book about horses for kids, this is black beauty by anna sewell. Enjoy the auto biography of Black Beauty the horse.
