Anna Sewell

Anna Sewell, born in 1820 into a Quaker family, is primarily recognized as the author of the single novel, Black Beauty. Her life was marked by chronic illness, which began in her teenage years and led to a lifelong state of invalidism. Despite her physical limitations, Sewell was actively involved in charitable work alongside her mother, who was also a writer of children's books. Sewell also assisted her mother by editing her published works. She never married and lived with her parents, relocating several times throughout England and even making trips to continental Europe for spa treatments. Her seminal work, Black Beauty, was written over several years and published shortly before her death in 1878. The book's publication offered a unique animal perspective and aimed to promote kindness and understanding towards horses.

Born in 1820 to parents from established Quaker families, Anna Sewell's early life involved frequent family moves, from Norfolk to London and later to various locations in Sussex and Gloucestershire. Her mother, Mary Wright Sewell, was an author of children's books, and Anna assisted her with editing. The family faced financial challenges, and Anna, along with her brother, received their education at home from their mother. A pivotal event occurred at age fourteen when a fall resulted in a severe ankle injury, leading to lifelong mobility issues. This chronic illness confined her largely to her home, though she continued to engage in charitable activities and developed a deep connection with horses, learning to ride and drive them.

Throughout her adult life, Anna Sewell remained an invalid, often seeking treatment at spa resorts in England and on the continent. She lived with her parents, and the family moved several times, including to Brighton, Lancing, Haywards Heath, Chichester, and finally to Norwich. During these years, she continued her involvement in charitable endeavors, often alongside her mother. Her mother's writing career flourished, and Anna played a role in editing these works, which often carried moral and educational messages. Sewell and her mother also participated in the temperance movement. Her profound empathy for animals, particularly horses, grew during this period, fostered by opportunities to ride and drive.

Anna Sewell began writing her only novel, Black Beauty, in 1871, a period when her illness had become severe, confining her to bed or a sofa. She dictated much of the manuscript to her mother and, during a period of slight recovery, wrote notes in pencil that her mother transcribed. Sewell's stated aim for the book was to foster kindness, sympathy, and understanding treatment of horses. The novel, published as 'Black Beauty: His Grooms and Companions. The Autobiography of a Horse, Translated from the Original Equine, by Anna Sewell,' was released just months before her death in 1878. It was among the first novels written from an animal's perspective and aimed to educate its readers on proper equine care and condemn cruel practices.

“I am writing the life of a horse...”

“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”