Black Beauty enjoys a carefree upbringing in a pleasant meadow with his mother, where his gentle first master trains him well – until he is reluctantly forced to sell him. Through a long and varied life, Black Beauty passes from one owner to the next; some treat him well, others are so cruel that they inflict lasting damage.

Anna Sewell s biographical novel about a horse is one of the bestselling books of all time, and her depiction of Victorian society s harsh treatment of animals inspired significant changes to animal welfare in both the UK and America.