Black Beauty

This book was really OK, but, it looked like his white sock foot was on the back hind left, but I originally liked Black Beauty's white sock foot on the back hind left, so that's why I like this one. So, I decided that this book was the right sort for me because I mostly liked the 1994 version with Sean Bean so, this book goes great with the Black Beauty 1994 film version starring Sean Bean as the real true done deal, because of Joe Green, I think it's better for Joe to wear brown cowboy boots instead of tall black leather English field riding boots, because of being a real rodeo cowboy, not an English horseback rider, so, that's the perfect choice of the Black Beauty 1994 film version starring Sean Bean as the real true done deal, so you or any other equestrian horseback rider or English horseback rider or Western horseback rider or rodeo rider better take my advice and make this the real true done deal, got it? The only thing I just wish is that there were pictures of Joe Green in this book, because he is the apprentice groom at Birtwick Hall, with whom Black Beauty is reunited at the end of the novel, but I still like all the illustrations by Charlotte Hough because this book still goes great with the Black Beauty 1994 film version starring Sean Bean as the real true done deal, but I like the illustration of the fire, showing Black Beauty being saved from the burning stable by James Howard, but Joe Green is more my character, as James is not for me, Joe is more for me. This book is a great softcover with great illustrations by Charlotte Hough originally from 1954, but this one is an early 2008, Puffin released their new revamped classics line and of couse Black Beauty was included. The Back Cover of this book says: Jump into the Saddle and ride with Black Beauty as a young colt, Black Beauty gallops in the fresh Green meadows with his beloved mother, Duchess, and their kind master. But when his owners are forced to sell him, he swaps a life of freedom and happiness for one of work and toil. Bravely he works as hard as he can, suffering at the hands of the men who treat animals cruelly. But Black Beauty has an unbreakable spirit and a strong will, and is determined to survive... As of this writing, this book is still in print and probably will be in print for many more years and years to come forever, ever and ever, as the real true done deal and this book is a must for any horselover's or horseman's or horsewoman's or equestrian horseback rider's or English horseback rider's or Western horseback rider's or rodeo rider's library, as Black Beauty never gets old, never! :)

I read an abridged version of “Black Beauty” as a child and have only come to fully appreciate it after reading the complete version as an adult. What an eye-opener! As a child I related on an emotional level to the personality and travails of the horse. As an adult reader I was emotionally engaged but I also understood the historical context in which Sewell wrote the book and her admirable purpose of promoting humane animal treatment. Published in 1877, “Black Beauty” is now considered a pioneering work in the field of animal rights. Each chapter of “Black Beauty” tells a simple, compelling story about some stage in the life of Black Beauty or his fellow horses. Each chapter includes an important lesson about how mistreatment or, alternately, proper care affects the well-being and performance of the horses. The author conveys her lessons in a clear and entertaining manner through the voices of the horses themselves. This anthropomorphism might seem gimmicky or sentimental to some, but I think it works effectively to build the reader’s empathy. Except for the animal narration, the book is written in a realistic style. The death of animals from overwork or abuse is presented in a matter-of-fact way that never descends into mawkishness. It’s not lingered on because work must go on for the survivors. You’d have to be a stone not to be moved. Also moving is the story of the author Anna Sewell. Disabled as a girl, her only way of getting out was riding in a horse-drawn carriage. Her many years of observing the treatment of horses on her trips around town and country led her to publish her observations and recommendations – all cleverly presented through the eyes of a horse. I enjoyed reading “Black Beauty” very much. It’s a beautifully written tale with a noble purpose. There are many editions of “Black Beauty” on the market. I purchased the Signet Classics edition with the full original text by Anna Sewell and an introduction and afterword. I highly recommend it.

Absolutely love it. Bought it as a gift for My baby sister as this was one of my favorite books to read at her age. Love the art on the cover.

The chiltern classic editions are beautifully produced, make reading/rereading a joy and a lovely collectible edition at tha same time. 4 stars for Black Beauty however because this was produced with almost zero illustrations to augment the text. Illustrations, even when monochrome (prince and the pauper, peter pan) I feel make the book much more enjoyable especially when you are trying to encourage yound kids to read classic literature.

A cherished classic from the Victorian Era. As an English Major I have a whole new perspective on this novel than I once did, for Black Beauty is an authentic depiction of the treatment of animals during that era. Animals before were mainly seen as beast of burden, or submissive creatures beneath both God and man. However, the animal was coming into a new light, a light of intelligence and emotion, where-else before seen as simply dumb. I won't bore you with all the historic significance of this novel, except that it turned many mind towards the well being of their animals and laws to be introduced for their health. Anna Sewell only book changed the world, alike to Charles Dickens 'Oliver Twist' to child labor, or Charlotte Brontë's 'Shirley' to feminism and the "women-question." And any adult can enjoy Black Beauty, it is not a children's book but a masterpiece published to sway those who handled horses: "a special aim [was] to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses" - Anna Sewell. Also, a good companion to the unabridged classic is Warner Bros 1994 film starring Sean Bean (James Bond: Golden Eye, Game of Thrones), Andrew Knot (The Secret Garden), and David Thewlis (Harry Potter as Professor Lupin, Fargo), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey, Knightfall). It follows the book pretty well, with a few deviations (that I will not spoil for you). Concerning the Scholastic Classics 2001 Edition, each chapter contain a lovely, detailed image with a few, smaller images here and there throughout the novel. Growing-up with this edition I felt the need to re-purchase it after losing my original copy. This edition is unabridged and has a green cover with an introduction by Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted.

Personally I think this is such an exquisite story on many levels. I try to read it once a year and I even collect different publications it. This book is a soft cover, it is a comfortable size and I enjoy all the illustrations. Even tho this book is brand new, it has an old look and feel which enhances the story for me. It is such a classic and deserves to be in every home and library. . . . Can you tell I am a horse lover?

It was so much fun to revisit an old favorite from a very distant childhood. The book is the original and has not changed. I loved it as a child, and I can easily see the story told from the viewpoint of Black Beuty captured the heart of so many. But it was fascinating to read it now because the world has changed. Humanities attitudes about animal rights have grown. Re-reading the book is also a way to see the world from that earlier perspective and wonder at how we as a society have changed. I'm so glad Amazon provides an avenue to easily access the old classics for a very modest fee. Yes, I know they are in the public domain, and you can access them for free elsewhere. I prefer to spend 99 cents and have easy access. Well done. I loved the original illustrations and the story.

xcept from "Black Beauty" A Manly Talk You Will NOT See in a Modern Book: "You are a very good man," said James. "I wish I may ever be like you." "I don't often speak of myself," said John, "but as you are going away from us out into the world to shift for yourself I'll just tell you how I look on these things. I was just as old as Joseph when my father and mother died of the fever within ten days of each other, and left me and my cripple sister Nelly alone in the world, without a relation that we could look to for help. I was a farmer's boy, not earning enough to keep myself, much less both of us, and she must have gone to the workhouse but for our mistress (Nelly calls her her angel, and she has good right to do so). She went and hired a room for her with old Widow Mallet, and she gave her knitting and needlework when she was able to do it; and when she was ill she sent her dinners and many nice, comfortable things, and was like a mother to her. Then the master he took me into the stable under old Norman, the coachman that was then. I had my food at the house and my bed in the loft, and a suit of clothes, and three shillings a week, so that I could help Nelly. Then there was Norman; he might have turned round and said at his age he could not be troubled with a raw boy from the plow-tail, but he was like a father to me, and took no end of pains with me. When the old man died some years after I stepped into his place, and now of course I have top wages, and can lay by for a rainy day or a sunny day, as it may happen, and Nelly is as happy as a bird. So you see, James, I am not the man that should turn up his nose at a little boy and vex a good, kind master. No, no! I shall miss you very much, James, but we shall pull through, and there's nothing like doing a kindness when 'tis put in your way, and I am glad I can do it." "Then," said James, "you don't hold with that saying, `Everybody look after himself, and take care of number one'?" "No, indeed," said John, "where should I and Nelly have been if master and mistress and old Norman had only taken care of number one? Why, she in the workhouse and I hoeing turnips! Where would Black Beauty and Ginger have been if you had only thought of number one? why, roasted to death! No, Jim, no! that is a selfish, heathenish saying, whoever uses it; and any man who thinks he has nothing to do but take care of number one, why, it's a pity but what he had been drowned like a puppy or a kitten, before he got his eyes open; that's what I think," said John, with a very decided jerk of his head.

This is a well-written classic that I highly recommend, especially to animal lovers. I was disappointed, however, that the design on the cover is not sculpt-embossed as advertised, but just printed flat, as in a regular book. Nevertheless, this edition is still a welcome addition to my collection.

"Black Beauty", ou Beleza Negra, foi o primeiro livro de literatura que colocou em perspectiva os direitos dos animais. Neste livro, é narrada a trajetória de Beleza Negra, desde a separação de sua mãe, quando era apenas um potro, até o encontro de seu lar e família definitivos. São narrados os abusos que os cavalos sofriam na época. E, por conta da narrativa em primeira pessoa, sob o ponto de vista de Beleza Negra, os abusos são ainda mais perceptíveis e intensos. Apesar do sofrimento, há um final feliz e muito bonito. É uma ótima história para as crianças e, também, para os adultos que gostam dos animais. Ademais, a edição contém várias ilustrações em preto e branco e algumas coloridas. É costurado e encapado com tecido. Qualidade ótima da Everyman's Library, como sempre.

The book was perfect and my niece loves it. The delivery was efficient and on time. Thank you!

Simon Vance has the perfect voice for this story. His tone is smooth and quiet yet manages to capture each character's emotions and bring them alive. I won't review the book itself since it has long been a classic, and most people are already familiar with it. But I can't emphasize enough how delightful this reading is. I purchased this book as a reward for my daughter (10) and she listens to it several times a week. Sometimes we even sit and listen together. What better way to re-experience such a wonderful classic then cuddled up with your child. I am very glad that I choose this particular version and can recommend it strongly.

Just as expected a beautiful story book.