Anna Sewell

A first edition, first printing of Anna Sewell's Black Beauty.

• Anna Sewell (English).
• London: Jarrold and Sons, 1877.
• 247 pages with 8 pages of advertisements to the rear.
• Carter’s variant C binding.
• The book is bound in the publisher’s brown cloth, lettered and decorated in gilt and black.

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.