Anna Sewell ​

Anna Sewell was an English novelist, best known for writing the classic animal story "Black Beauty". This novel, which promotes kindness, sympathy, and understanding toward horses, remains one of the best known animal stories ever published.

Quick Facts ​

• Best known for writing the novel Black Beauty.
• Only wrote one novel in her life.
• The novel is one of the best-selling books of all time.
• Was unable to write for the last months of her life due to declining health.
• Black Beauty was published only a few months before she passed away.
• The book highlighted the harsh and cruel treatment of animals, particularly horses, and led to significant changes in animal welfare.

Background ​

Sewell was born in 1820, in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, to a family of Quakers. Due to health conditions, she was largely educated at home where her love for writing was cultivated. As a young woman, she was unable to indulge her creative passion due to family financial difficulties. Later in life, she spent many years living in Old Catton village near Norwich, taking long carriage rides for her health, which arguably inspired her most famous work.

She began writing Black Beauty in 1871 while seriously ill and it was published in 1877. Despite the book's success, Sewell did not live long enough to fully experience it, as she passed away in 1878. Black Beauty remains one of the best-selling children's classics to this day, with a timeless message related to the humane treatment of animals.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Anna Sewell's singular novel, "Black Beauty" is praised for its detailed depictions of animals and natural settings. Her writing style is simple, direct, and highly moralistic, presenting a sympathetic portrayal of animal treatment. Critically, her work is lauded for its advocacy towards the ethical treatment of animals, and Sewell’s classic story has helped to shape societal attitudes towards the humane treatment of animals.

Notable Works ​

• Black Beauty (1877)