Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Black Beauty is a 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 best-seller, with Sewell dying just five months after its publication, but having lived long enough to see her only novel become a success. Black Beauty is one of the best-selling books of all time.

The story of the novel deals with the following:

• While forthrightly teaching animal welfare, the book also teaches how to treat people with kindness, sympathy, and respect.
• Exploring the relation between humans and animals, from the symbiotic closeness of a compatible horse and rider to the cruel, slave-like treatment some animals suffer at the hands of thoughtless owners.
• The life's lessons often in a subtle way.
• Defining traits of Beauty, including his incredible courage, like the very best heroes.