This timeless classic - "Black Beauty" the autobiography of a horse- will appeal to all lovers of animals. Amazing that it was written over 140 years ago and yet holds interest. It is the story of a horse in Victorian England. Of how the horse copes with the ups and downs that present themselves in his life, as he passes from one owner to another. The story brings out the cruelty in men as also their compassion. 

Published in 1877, this book by Anna Sewell is said to have sold over 50 million copies in 50 different languages. There is a tinge of sadness that this was her first- and last book, as she passed away barely six months after it was first published. Many believe her book did a lot to influence people to be more kind to horses and contributed towards the removal of some extremely painful practices for the horse such as the use of the bearing rein.