On November 24, 1877, Black Beauty: His Grooms and Companions / The Autobiography of a Horse; Translated from the original equine was published, Anna Sewell’s only novel.
The book is considered to be the first major animal story in children’s literature and in the introduction, Sewell wrote that the book is meant ‘to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses’.
Black Beauty was (and remains) a political manifesto against the abuse of horses, and indeed, against cruelty to all animals. Its pages share with the reader an authentic image of Victorian life and introduce children to the concept that animals have thoughts and feelings, hopes and fears, just as we all do.
Sewell sent a clear ecological message (146 years ago), that ignorance about the natural world was then, as it is now, the most dangerous problem of all. Affinity with, guardianship of, and respect for the creatures with whom we share the planet and for the environment in which we all live should be foremost on the world agenda.
She was also disturbed by many of the social issues of her time, such as poverty, unemployment, addiction, in particular, excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption.