Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, Martin Knowelden (Illustrator), Francis Mosely (Line Drawings); 1877/1986. Hardcover. (Special Edition) (CO)

As a young horse, Black Beauty is well-loved and happy. But when his owner is forced to sell him, his life changes drastically. He has many new owners—some of them cruel and some of them kind. All he needs is someone to love him again....

Whether pulling an elegant carriage or a ramshackle cab, Black Beauty tries to live as best he can. This is his amazing story, told as only he could tell it.

Back Story: This book was written by Anna Sewell as an adult book. Her goal was to raise awareness of the need of horses for proper handling and gentle care. 1877 was part of the "high victorian" period when horses were treated as one more possession to enhance appearances among the aristocracy. As a result, best handling practices were often sacrificed to practices that would make the horse and carriage more attractive and "special" in the eyes of the beholder.