Animal lovers of all ages will cherish this memorable story.
Perhaps the most celebrated animal story of the nineteenth century, Black Beauty is the suspenseful and deeply moving account of a horse’s experiences at the hands of many owners—some sensitive riders who treated him gently; others cruel drivers who thoughtlessly inflicted lasting damage.
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"Black Beauty, tells the life of a horse from his perspective. He tells you about his travels, different homes, and owners, as well as other horses he meets. When I first read this book in probably middle school, I loved it, but I cried and cried. This is most definitely for older readers, because of some of the emotional content. There are so many emotions going on, from when he is in a good home with nice owners, to when he is beaten and hurt, although it is a classic, it is definitely for more mature readers. I think students could have fun reading it on their own, but I think it would also be fun to read aloud as a class. I like that this book is written from the point of view of Black Beauty, and I also really love the ending (won't give it away.) I will say I thought it was very relieving."
— Alex.ferg (5 out of 5 stars)
" A truly touching novel. Yet it also reminds us of just how cruel humanity is, unless you manage to please them. "
— Rachel, 2/16/2014" It was really touching. And it gives you hope all through the struggles in life, there would always bring peace. "
— Rashel, 2/14/2014" One of the first books that put political fire in my belly: end animal cruelty! "
— Meghan, 2/12/2014" The book was great, except for the fact that I adore horses and the ending killed me. Any time I dealt with reading about abuse to the horse I cried. This was the first book I read. This is what got me into reading and got me to love classics. It's a good book in the way it was written but I can personally say I didn't enjoy certain parts. "
— Phoebe, 2/12/2014" Read this as a pre-teen, then read it to each of my three children, and now am reading it to the grandchildren. A true classic that will always be in my library. "
— Amelia, 2/9/2014" Horse propaganda. Still, a feel good book that's thankfully more about men than animals, and the evils of ignorance, greed, laziness, and cruelty. "
— Jeff, 2/9/2014" A childhood classic; great Christian undertone s "
— Yocelyn, 2/9/2014" I forgot how easy of a read this is....and why it's one of my favorite children's books ;-) "
— Gabrielle, 2/8/2014" A fantastic classic. A book that I own about seven different versions of, both abridged and not, both illustrated and not. "
— Jackie, 2/6/2014" One of my all time favorites. I've read it at least 3 times! "
— Valerie, 2/6/2014" The "autobiography" of a horse from the 19th c. I just read it with my 5-year-old son, and while he wasn't enthralled (like he was with Treasure Island), it was a sweet story that helped him see the importance of treating all living things with kindness. "
— Carolyn, 2/6/2014" This was a book I read in elementary school and that I remember recommending to you, Diane. I don't really remember what it was about, but I do know I loved it and read it several times. "
— Vicky, 2/5/2014" This is a amazing classic!!! It takes you on a ride threw a work horse life. You will see the cruelty and menial labor black beauty went threw. The book is excellent!! I read this 3 times it was that good!!!! Make sure you read this book !!! Warning I cried a lot during this book so make sure you have a tissue box near!!! "
— Sierra, 2/5/2014" Hard to follow and hard to concentrate on without your mind wandering and thinking about the weather or something. "
— Kristina, 1/29/2014" What eight year old girl doesn't love this book? Even with its sad bits, it's a wonderful story. "
— Kyrie, 1/24/2014" Very moving. You'll never look at an animal the same way again :) "
— Malavika, 1/24/2014" a very beautiful, sad book "
— ☞Proud☜, 1/24/2014" TAKES ME BACK TO CHILDHOOD AND WATCHING IT ON TV "
— Stephen, 1/24/2014" I LOVE this book. This is the only horse novel I can stand. It's written from Black Beauty's point of view, and it basically explains the life of an ordinary horse. The animals don't talk. "
— Marina, 1/23/2014" Not too much literary weight here. Good story, though.:) "
— Mike, 1/23/2014" It's great, a classic that was originally written as a commentary on animal welfare. The movie was pretty good too. "
— Arielle, 1/21/2014" One amongst my early reads... Made me fall in love with horses. "
— Sheetal, 1/21/2014" I received a beautifully illustrated edition as a kid but was never able to finish reading it until now with my children. This is a well-written book but it is a morality tale, so if you don't want to hear a horse constantly going on about cruelty/kindness and what makes a man respectable, this is not the book for you. The tone was too self-righteous for me (my husband called the horse "a sanctimonious prat") but I think it's good for my children to get some extra character-building by having to listen to it, like taking their vitamins. "
— Jen, 1/21/2014" Interesting social commentary, but also interesting in that it led to actual changes in how horses were treated. Reminded me quite a bit of Uncle Tom's Cabin with horses in the places of slaves. "
— Joshua, 1/17/2014" There are so many different versions of this book that I am havinmg trouble beliving that this was the original. It is such a sad book that I vowed never to read it again. "
— Kareena, 1/16/2014" Read this book when I was a girl and, even though I was not and never have been a horse person, loved it. "
— Bj, 1/13/2014" Supposedly a classic, but an odd choice for that status. The story dragged on and reading from the horse's POV was difficult to believe and relate to. Sweet story, but dry. "
— Chelsea, 1/12/2014" Good book for the young. "
— Jeanette, 1/5/2014" Loved it! A story about a horses veiw point of his life the how he was sent from owner to owner and how badly some owners miss treated him. I loved this book I reccommend this book to all horse lovers. "
— Brandy, 1/4/2014" A gentle, honest biography of a horse indeed. I can understand why this is a classic. "
— Soennug, 1/3/2014" Written for children, but a book that will delight and enlighten adults too. "
— Yolanda, 12/29/2013" It was really touching. And it gives you hope all through the struggles in life, there would always bring peace. "
— Rashel, 12/28/2013" I read this in Junior High (what they now call Middle School) and loved it. Of course, horse stories were all the rage then! "
— Rose, 12/27/2013" A fantastic classic. A book that I own about seven different versions of, both abridged and not, both illustrated and not. "
— Jackie, 12/27/2013" it's a heart-changing classic that left me in tears at parts but a good story from the point of view of a horse, and how we really should be as nice as we can with horses or nay animals "
— Christy, 12/26/2013" a nice retelling of the story "
— Theresa, 12/25/2013" One of the first books I read at a young age. I loved horses and of course this made me cry. Gave me my first glimpse that people could be cruel. "
— Skyqueen, 12/25/2013" Menjadi kuda ternyata tidak gampang, dan menjadi pemilik kuda ternyata juga sangat tidak gampang jika kita ingin memiiki kuda yang hebat dan loyal, "
— Ariefmai, 12/21/2013" I am reading the Condensed version by Louise Colln. I bought the book at Target for a dollar and I didn't realize it was shortened for ages 7&up. I haven't every read Black Beauty so this is a great taste of the story and will be a great way to share it will Dillan when she is young. "
— Angie, 12/20/2013" I can't remember if I read this or The Black Stallion first, but it was my first time reading a book that was a biography of a horse... from the horse's point of view. It was neat. "
— Jeremy, 12/19/2013" I read this book as a child. After reading this book, I felt that animals have feelings too. Human like feelings. I also wanted a horse as a pet but that never happened. I was also 8. But overall a fun good read. "
— Disha, 12/12/2013" A truly touching novel. Yet it also reminds us of just how cruel humanity is, unless you manage to please them. "
— Rachel, 12/9/2013" Such a lovely book. I had seen the film and loved it. So I thought the book would be just as poignant. "
— Ti-Leigh, 12/8/2013" I had no idea this was going to be from the horse's point of view and give lessons on the ill treatment of horses. "
— Rashelle, 11/29/2013" sweet wonderful and cute story "
— Lulu, 11/28/2013" A nice tale of the adventures of a horse from when he was a foal to his last days. Interesting view on the treatment of working horses. Good for adults and children. "
— Alexandra, 11/20/2013" My favorite book when I was growing up! "
— Sammy, 11/19/2013" Such a touching and engaging story. As a horse crazy girl I've read it many times and loved it more each time. "
— Teresa, 11/19/2013" Loved hourses when i was younger. "
— Becky, 11/16/2013" I do not like parts of it. black beauty is my favorite hores in the movie. "
— Morgan, 10/22/2013" Read only if you "REALLY" like horse stuff, other wise it's a little boring. "
— Viktoriya, 10/20/2013" touchy and senstive book , with deep aim to evaluate your manners with animals , guess what it has feelings "
— Marwa, 10/13/2013" Loved hourses when i was younger. "
— Becky, 10/13/2013" Shaped my whole way of relating to horses as sentient beings "
— Margaret, 10/8/2013" A gentle, honest biography of a horse indeed. I can understand why this is a classic. "
— Soennug, 10/6/2013" This is a really moving story that deserves to be read over and over again. "
— Lula, 10/2/2013" An excellent book that I would recommend for young and old readers alike. It's now one of my favorite books. "
— Nan, 9/14/2013" Much-beloved in my childhood. A true classic. "
— Rosa, 6/20/2013" Love it!! One of my favorites!!! "
— Barb, 6/14/2013" A nice tale of the adventures of a horse from when he was a foal to his last days. Interesting view on the treatment of working horses. Good for adults and children. "
— Alexandra, 4/16/2013" Such a pretty story. It gives you a good look at the world from a horses point of view. A change in perspective is alway fun. "
— Emelyn, 4/16/2013" Although I haven't read it since I was 10, this book stands out in my memory as my favorite book from childhood. Thank you to whatever teacher made me read this for a book report! "
— Rachel, 4/14/2013" Such a beautiful, wise and moving book... never fails to make me cry. "
— Rachel, 4/2/2013" I believe this book illustrates extremely well the horror of animal exploitation by showing things from the point of the animal. We see what life is like from Beauty's perspective. "
— Isobella, 4/2/2013" I read this as a child and many times more as the years went by. I'm crazy about horses and just adored this book. "
— Y.I., 3/27/2013" Black Beauty is my very favorite book I have ever read. I love horses so it makes good sense, but I especially love the way that a horse is telling the story. I adore the way it is written, sort of a Old English way I'm guessing but its not hard to follow. "
— Kaitlin, 3/20/2013" Good ol' Beauty. I first read this in 2nd grade and loved it as much then as now. "
— Joshlyn, 3/19/2013" What a beautiful version of Black Beauty! Though it is more children's literature, I still really loved it. "
— Emilyzzz, 3/18/2013" I thought this book was was very good but very sad at the same time. "
— Callie, 3/15/2013" i love horses and this book caught my attention it gets an A "
— Jayda, 2/24/2013" One of my favorite books. Sad though! "
— Betty, 2/5/2013" Shaped my whole way of relating to horses as sentient beings "
— Margaret, 1/10/2013" I loved the connection between the human and the horse. Really good book (about 250pg) "
— Elisa, 1/1/2013" This was..."WAR HORSE" for the 1940's and 50's! "
— Eyehavenofilter, 11/21/2012" This book was my first favorite!I think that the point this book was trying to get acrost about horses was about cruelty to horses should not be excepted and horses deserve a better life ,we should appreciate them.I reccomend this book to EVERYBODY! "
— Meaghan, 11/13/2012" I read this book when I was actually nine and I have re-read it many times. I love Black Beauty and everything he went through broke my nine year old heart. I recommend it for anyone with a love of animals. "
— Arianna, 10/28/2012" It was too sad. I love horsies. "
— Morwynne, 6/25/2012" I thought this was good, but the cruelty to horses wasn't nice. "
— Silas, 6/22/2012" pretty decent book older style readings a little harder to understand. "
— John, 6/18/2012" Read this book when I was a girl and, even though I was not and never have been a horse person, loved it. "
— Bj, 6/8/2012" Better than the movie, although without Danny Elfman music. Goes a bit deeper than the movie does, and different encounters of Beauty. "
— Heath, 4/8/2012" The childhood classic tale of a horse's life from the horse's point of view. A must read for all animal lovers. Set in Victorian London we watch Beauty move from owner to owner through the ups and downs of a horse's existence. Beauty's take on the human world is enlightening. "
— Dayna, 3/28/2012" This book opened peoples' eyes to reality of cruelty to horses and not just the happy happy world but to live in the real world "
— Bree, 3/26/2012" I loved this book in the beginning, and got a little bored at times, but overall loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves to read at about 13 or 14+, it's just a little hard to hang onto... "
— Sophia, 3/5/2012" One of my favorite things at my grandparents' house was the bookshelf. I devoured the words and created imaginary memories of how my mom must've been just like me, loving every tale sandwiched in hardcovers. "
— Kimberly, 3/5/2012" One of the few books I've read over and over. "
— Fiona, 2/26/2012" Thought this was touching and beautiful, one of my favorite childhood classics. "
— Gina, 2/16/2012" Was free on my kindle so I thought why not! I've always loved everything about animals and animal books, and i grew up around horses, so for me it was a lovely read! After watching the film the book was definitely better! easy, nice read. "
— Tierney, 1/20/2012" I was not a "horsy" child at all, but I loved this book, the tribulations of a beautiful horse. I hope that the horse and the story will keep kids reading through the somewhat Victorian writing -- a little more complicated sentence structure never hurt anyone. "
— Nikki, 1/13/2012" I loved this book. It was amazing, one of the best books I have read. I really like how the author ended it. "
— Zack, 1/12/2012" It's about a beautiful black horse. What girl wouldn't love it? "
— Monica, 1/8/2012" TAKES ME BACK TO CHILDHOOD AND WATCHING IT ON TV "
— Stephen, 12/8/2011" One of my first favorite books. Every young girl should be given this book by her grandmother. "
— Sharon, 11/13/2011" Godfearing teetotalling horses wasn't quite what I was expecting from this book, but good social history otherwise. "
— Anna, 9/24/2011" The way Anna Sewell was using a horse, Darkie to tell the incredible, surprise events in the story, it made me fell like I'm actually Darkie, and I'm experiencing through the problems. "
— APhanHan15, 9/15/2011" Classic story - horse lovers will love it - tear jerker at times. "
— Tracey, 8/6/2011" it seemed a lot more preachy about animal welfare and morality than it did when I was a kid. I still liked it though. "
— Elise, 7/28/2011" I read this one to my daughter. Interesting that it was written to better treatment of animals. Fun to revisit old classics. "
— De, 7/26/2011" read this to my daughter recently and really enjoyed it. Kind of beats you over the head with the theme, but still a nice book. "
— Michael, 7/22/2011" I've read this before, but I'm giving it a re-read. This book can be so sad, or so happy. There's something that just draws me into the reading, like it's a familiar friend. "
— Dae, 6/30/2011" I've read this before, but I'm giving it a re-read. This book can be so sad, or so happy. There's something that just draws me into the reading, like it's a familiar friend. "
— Dae, 6/30/2011" I've read this before, but I'm giving it a re-read. This book can be so sad, or so happy. There's something that just draws me into the reading, like it's a familiar friend. "
— Dae, 6/30/2011" I've read this before, but I'm giving it a re-read. This book can be so sad, or so happy. There's something that just draws me into the reading, like it's a familiar friend. "
— Dae, 6/30/2011" A story of a horse, who would have thought that would be an interesting read? In general I liked it "
— G00016138, 6/29/2011" A story of a horse, who would have thought that would be an interesting read? In general I liked it "
— G00016138, 6/29/2011" A story of a horse, who would have thought that would be an interesting read? In general I liked it "
— G00016138, 6/29/2011" A story of a horse, who would have thought that would be an interesting read? In general I liked it "
— G00016138, 6/29/2011" This is my all time favorite book in the whole world. There is so much emotion in the pages of this book. I cried the first time I read it and I still cry now when I read it. "
— Shannon, 6/27/2011" This is my all time favorite book in the whole world. There is so much emotion in the pages of this book. I cried the first time I read it and I still cry now when I read it. "
— Shannon, 6/27/2011" This is my all time favorite book in the whole world. There is so much emotion in the pages of this book. I cried the first time I read it and I still cry now when I read it. "
— Shannon, 6/27/2011" This is my all time favorite book in the whole world. There is so much emotion in the pages of this book. I cried the first time I read it and I still cry now when I read it. "
— Shannon, 6/27/2011" Better than the movie, although without Danny Elfman music. Goes a bit deeper than the movie does, and different encounters of Beauty. "
— Heath, 6/21/2011" Better than the movie, although without Danny Elfman music. Goes a bit deeper than the movie does, and different encounters of Beauty. "
— Heath, 6/21/2011" Better than the movie, although without Danny Elfman music. Goes a bit deeper than the movie does, and different encounters of Beauty. "
— Heath, 6/21/2011" Better than the movie, although without Danny Elfman music. Goes a bit deeper than the movie does, and different encounters of Beauty. "
— Heath, 6/21/2011" Read this book when I was a girl and, even though I was not and never have been a horse person, loved it. "
— Bj, 6/20/2011" Loved the book... Black beauty is a wonderfully narrated book on the treatment of animals when horses were used as a mode of transportation... In current world this will teach children and adults on Kindness to animals as well as to human... I wish Anna Sewell had written more novel... "
— Gayathri, 6/20/2011" Read this book when I was a girl and, even though I was not and never have been a horse person, loved it. "
— Bj, 6/20/2011" Loved the book... Black beauty is a wonderfully narrated book on the treatment of animals when horses were used as a mode of transportation... In current world this will teach children and adults on Kindness to animals as well as to human... I wish Anna Sewell had written more novel... "
— Gayathri, 6/20/2011" Loved the book... Black beauty is a wonderfully narrated book on the treatment of animals when horses were used as a mode of transportation... In current world this will teach children and adults on Kindness to animals as well as to human... I wish Anna Sewell had written more novel... "
— Gayathri, 6/20/2011" Read this book when I was a girl and, even though I was not and never have been a horse person, loved it. "
— Bj, 6/20/2011" Loved the book... Black beauty is a wonderfully narrated book on the treatment of animals when horses were used as a mode of transportation... In current world this will teach children and adults on Kindness to animals as well as to human... I wish Anna Sewell had written more novel... "
— Gayathri, 6/20/2011" Read this book when I was a girl and, even though I was not and never have been a horse person, loved it. "
— Bj, 6/20/2011" Childhood favorite of mine! I love this book. "
— Leah, 6/19/2011" Childhood favorite of mine! I love this book. "
— Leah, 6/19/2011" Childhood favorite of mine! I love this book. "
— Leah, 6/19/2011" Childhood favorite of mine! I love this book. "
— Leah, 6/19/2011" Another favorite as a child, I must have read this ten times. "
— Thea, 6/14/2011" Another favorite as a child, I must have read this ten times. "
— Thea, 6/14/2011" Another favorite as a child, I must have read this ten times. "
— Thea, 6/14/2011" Another favorite as a child, I must have read this ten times. "
— Thea, 6/14/2011" I read this many years ago as a child, over and over again. It was one of my favorite books. I still to this day think of Black Beauty and Ginger and check-reins. I guess it made quite an impact! "
— Anne76, 6/8/2011" I read this many years ago as a child, over and over again. It was one of my favorite books. I still to this day think of Black Beauty and Ginger and check-reins. I guess it made quite an impact! "
— Anne76, 6/8/2011" I read this many years ago as a child, over and over again. It was one of my favorite books. I still to this day think of Black Beauty and Ginger and check-reins. I guess it made quite an impact! "
— Anne76, 6/8/2011" I read this many years ago as a child, over and over again. It was one of my favorite books. I still to this day think of Black Beauty and Ginger and check-reins. I guess it made quite an impact! "
— Anne76, 6/8/2011" I'VE NEVER READ THIS CLASSIC! NOW I AM! I DIDN'T KNOW THE PERSPECTIVE WAS FROM THE HORSE!<br/> "
— China, 6/6/2011" Love it!! One of my favorites!!! "
— Barb, 6/6/2011" Love it!! One of my favorites!!! "
— Barb, 6/6/2011" I'VE NEVER READ THIS CLASSIC! NOW I AM! I DIDN'T KNOW THE PERSPECTIVE WAS FROM THE HORSE!<br/> "
— China, 6/6/2011" I'VE NEVER READ THIS CLASSIC! NOW I AM! I DIDN'T KNOW THE PERSPECTIVE WAS FROM THE HORSE!<br/> "
— China, 6/6/2011" Love it!! One of my favorites!!! "
— Barb, 6/6/2011" Love it!! One of my favorites!!! "
— Barb, 6/6/2011" I'VE NEVER READ THIS CLASSIC! NOW I AM! I DIDN'T KNOW THE PERSPECTIVE WAS FROM THE HORSE!<br/> "
— China, 6/6/2011" i like that this story is written from beautys POV "
— Gabby, 6/5/2011" i like that this story is written from beautys POV "
— Gabby, 6/5/2011" i like that this story is written from beautys POV "
— Gabby, 6/5/2011" i like that this story is written from beautys POV "
— Gabby, 6/5/2011Anna Sewell (1820–1878) was born in England. A knee injury at fourteen left her disabled, but she rode and drove horses very well. She began learning about horses early in life, spending many hours driving her father to and from the station from which he commuted to work. Her dependence on horse-drawn transportation fostered her respect of horses. She wrote her one book, Black Beauty, in her fifties, and it was published in 1877 just five months before she died. Although it is now considered a children’s classic, she originally wrote it for those who worked with horses. She said “a special aim [was] to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses.” The book has had a tremendous impact in creating a new wave of humane thinking towards animals.
Matt Montanez is a voice talent and audiobook narrator.