View source for Anna Sewell

==='' Black Beauty''===

Sewell became seriously ill in 1871 and, for the rest of her life, was confined to a bed or sofa except for occasional excursions into the garden.{{r|Gavin|p=166}} On 6 November 1871, Sewell noted in her diary: "I am writing the life of a horse...", the first mention of ''Black Beauty''.{{r|Gavin|p=168}} Over the next few years she added to the book by dictating to her mother and, during a period of slightly improved health in 1876-77 completed it by writing notes in pencil, which her mother then transcribed. Sewell said: "I have for six years been confined to the house and to my sofa, and have from time to time, as I was able, been writing what I think will turn out a little book, its special aim being to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses".{{r|Gavin|p=178}} Sewell's mother took the book to her own publishers, Jarrold & Sons in Norwich, and Sewell received a payment of £40 for the copyright. On 21 August 1877, she was sent the first proofs of ''Black Beauty''. The book was published in time for Christmas.{{r|Gavin|p=182}}

One of the first English novels to be written from the perspective of an animal, the book was published with the title of ''Black Beauty: His Grooms and Companions. The Autobiography of a Horse, Translated from the Original Equine, by Anna Sewell''.{{r|Gavin|p=183}} The book was intended for the education of working-class men and boys who were responsible for the care of horses, giving advice on equine management, and condemning cruel practices such as the use of [[Overcheck|bearing reins]]. The text also addressed moral behaviour, for example, preaching against the dangers of alcohol and dishonesty.<ref>{{cite book|editor-first=Kristen|editor-last=Guest|title=Black Beauty: His Grooms and Companions. The Autobiography of a Horse by Anna Sewell|date=2011|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|location=Newcastle upon Tyne|page=ix|isbn=1-4438-3382-7}}</ref> On publication in November 1877, ''Black Beauty'' received positive reviews and an edition for schools was soon in preparation.{{r|Gavin|p=186-187}}