Books

First edition, first printing, published by Jarrold and Sons in 1877. Carter's variant C binding. The book is firmly bound in the publisher's brown cloth, lettered and decorated in gilt and black. The boards are a little marked with some light repairs to the corners and spine ends. The text block is a little foxed and toned - the gutters show repair - some corners of the pages have been repaired. 247 pages with 8 pages of adverts to the rear. The 'C' binding was probably the standard trade issue, with 'A' and 'B' being either publisher's presentation bindings, or a more expensive deluxe issue. The text block and ads appear to be the same for all three. The story highlights the mistreatment of horses during the Victorian era and raises awareness about animal welfare. Black Beauty faces both kind and cruel owners, working as a carriage horse, a cab horse, and in other roles. Throughout the book, the horse narrates his experiences and shares his thoughts and feelings, providing insights into the hardships and joys of his life.

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 bestseller, with Sewell dying just five months after its publication, long enough to see her first and only novel become a success. It is one of the best-selling books of all time.