Black Beauty

Black Beauty was written in 1877 and was subtitled "The Autobiography of a Horse." It quickly became known as the best-loved animal story. In addition to this, the book achieved its aim to "induce kindness, sympathy and an understanding treatment of horses." The story was used first by George Angell, founder of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and then by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. At a time when horses were relied upon for transport, the horse was the animal most likely to be abused. This book, by telling the story through the eyes of the animal, changed people's attitudes.