Black Beauty-Treasury of Illustrated Classics Storybook Collection

The success of Uncle Tom’s Cabin led abolitionist Frederick Douglass to write that “nothing could have better suited the moral and humane requirements of the hour. Its effect was amazing, instantaneous, and universal.” Recognizing this impact, Anna Sewell determined to write the “Uncle Tom’s Cabin of the horse,” as told from the perspective of an actual horse named Black Beauty.Although Black Beauty wasn’t the first autobiography of an animal, the idea that a horse would have a life story to tell in his own words, detailing both the horrors and kindness he received from various masters, was revolutionary for the time. Sewell may have set out to do for horses what Harriet Beecher Stowe had done for African-descended slaves, but Black Beauty’s first-year sales quickly surpassed those of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, reaching international acclaim. Not all societies practiced human slavery, but virtually all of human civilization at that point was powered by equines who were forced to work under the constant threat of whipping or worse.According to authors Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy, 19th century animal movement leaders like Massachusetts SCPA founder George Thorndike Angell “dreamed of creating a new literature of animal appreciation, and he succeeded beyond all expectation, launching one of the nineteenth century’s best-selling novels and helping thereby to create a whole new genre of animal storytelling.”The popularization of Black Beauty by animal advocates like Angell sparked public outrage and real-world reforms, most notably the abolition of the check-rein — a device that painfully forced horses to keep their heads raised — and a campaign against tail-docking. But the book also forced readers simply to imagine what life must be like for a horse, encouraging readers to have empathy and give them a voice when they witnessed equine abuse, which was routine and widespread.Black Beauty opened people’s eyes to the possibility that an animal could have a point of view. Horses were transformed in the story from mere commodities to individuals with personalities, likes and dislikes, and most importantly, a desire to avoid the suffering that humans so frequently deliver upon them.

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.

I read this book more than once as a child and decided to reaquaint myself as an eder adult. It is just as good as I remembered. I believe that all youngsters should read this book at some time.,

I’ve loved this book since I was a child and wanted another copy as mine is getting very worn. This was advertised as being the 1945 edition but what I received was the original 1911 Barse & Co edition so the item’s description needs to be updated. It is in good used condition. I’ll continue my search for the 1945 illustrated edition and treasure this book as well.

I had forgotten much about this book. I looked it up trying to find out about check reins . (I was not even sure that was their name.)I hadn't read the book in decades.The excitement was still there, but I had not noticed the moral lessons scattered throughout the story; both about the treatment of horses and other animals and about the treatment of fellow humans. I can see how it helped launch animal rights movements. I am glad that I read it again.

This hardback book--the cover, binding, printing, original drawings--is better than I hoped for!! I bought this for grandson's 11th birthday since it was my favorite book as a child. I told him there are some stressful situations for Black Beauty, but not to worry as it has a happy ending. Others in his family want to read it too and I think partly because it's such an attractive book. Included a bookmark with it. I definitely recommend this version of Black Beauty.

My granddaughter loved reading this actual book. She made a special book mark for it.

Not only does it tell a beautiful story you get a coloring book too. It was a great book for what I paid.

The media could not be loaded.  Eu amei o livro, ele é uma gracinha, só veio com alguns defeitos que não me importo muito. A diagramação é pequena, as folhas são amarelas e ele é bem delicado.

Bought this for a child, as it was actually the first book I remember reading as a child myself. Recommend it highly.

Yo lo leí de niña, espero le guste a mi hija.

Such a beautiful book, these decorate my shelves and are such a fun pop of colour / design work!I would highly recommend as they’re much more expensive in shops and also, it’s the kinda piece you keep forever.

The story of Black Beauty is very touching and has always been close to my heart. The perspective of Beauty shows a lot about exactly how animals used to be treated in older times.I love this publication's version of it, although the story remains the same throughout all publications, I believe the glossary sections and editing for the story is the best for Collins' Classics.A must read!