Now regarded as a children’s book, Black Beauty was written for an adult market to raise awareness of the suffering of working horses.

The book is also a veiled autobiography of its author, Anna Sewell and her relationship with her then more-famous mother, Mary Sewell. Both writers were published by Jarrolds but it is the daughter’s book that has found world-wide success and enduring popularity. Behind that success lies a century of philanthropy that brought together non-conformists and evangelicals in endeavours to improve the living conditions of both humans and their animal workmates. The book itself has received more critical scrutiny in recent years.

Victoria Manthorpe is an author and feature writer. Her book Different Drums: One family, two Wars was nominated for a 2024 East Anglian Book Award. Victoria is also a member of the Society’s Publications Working Group and a regular contributor to Aspects of Norwich.

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