Black Beauty
Black Beauty
Author: Anna Sewell
Black Beauty is one of the most famous horse books in the world.
Part of its achievement is that it is a classic with not only horselovers,
but with all sorts of people. First published in 1877, it is still being
enjoyed by new generations of people around the world even today.
Black Beauty was a
breakthrough as it was the first book to tell the story through
the horse's point of view. "An autobiography of a horse", the book follows
the life of a horse (Black Beauty). It is told in first person as if he is
the one telling the story, and we see things through the eyes of a horse
as
we follow the ups and downs of Black Beauty's life. In a letter to a
friend, the author once wrote that she hoped her book Black Beauty
"would induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of
horses." Anna Sewell wrote the book in a time when horses were not given
the respect most receive today, and Black Beauty helped to open the
eyes of many to the cruelty horses had to suffer. This book is such a
landmark that I am giving it a rare five out of five which it truly
deserves.
Many movie adaptations have been made of Black Beauty. I've seen
three different versions. The first two were animated films, and did not
quite do the book justice. I'd give them a score of 2/5. The third version
I saw
was by far the most superior. It was a live action version made in 1994 by
Warner Bros. It starred Sean Bean and David Thewlis and I believe the
starring
role of Black Beauty was played by a lovely horse named Docs Keeping
Time.
It was nicely shot and very enjoyable to watch, keeping true to the book.
It deserves a 4/5.
RATING:
Here is what other people think of Black Beauty. To have your
say, just fill in the form below and I'll add your review here! (If you'd
prefer not to have your email address posted just add that in your
comments)
Name: Rebecca Gisborne
Email: wildhorses@gogo.net.au
Rating: 4
Comments: I really liked Black Beauty, because it had interesting
content, and it was realistic. I also really liked it because the heroism
in it is something I've always admired. I must admit, I haven't read it
for a while, but I will definitely take it off my shelf, very soon, and
reread it!
Name: charles dennis
Email: cjden24@webjogger.net
Rating: 5
Comments: Love that book
Name: Amanda
Email: eventrider_72@hotmail.com
Rating: 5
Comments: Black Beauty is an amazing book, which makes you want to
read it over and over. I've read many versions of it, and seen many movie
versions of it, and I liked them all! Anyone who has *not* read this book,
where have you been? I suggest all horse-lovers pick up this book and read
it, you'll love it!
Name: lisyloo
Email: lisyloo@gurlmail.com
Rating: 5
Comments: This book is definately one of the best books ever
written. I love this book because it describes about the hardships of
this beautiful animal and his friends merrylegs and ginger, it definately
gets sympathy for horses out of the readers but also has many joyous
moments. The movie is one that any horselover could see themself
starring in it. This is an excellent book and as good as thunderhead by
mary o hara.
Name: Jamie Smith
Email: jamsmhorse@yahoo.com
Rating: 5
Comments: "Black Beauty" is a true classic, and
I believe it has never been out of print since
the book was first published. I have always
LOVED the story, and have a copy of the Whitman
book edition of it from my childhood. I
have seen 3 movie versions of it, plus the English
series, "The Adventures of Black Beauty", and "The
NEW Adventures of Black Beauty." I have the latter on video, and
absolutely love it.
Name: Sandra Hatfield
Email: sandy@wg.prestige.net
Rating: 5
Comments: I thought it was a really good book.
Name: Tonie
Email: Redpepper307@yahoo.com
Rating: 5+
Comments: I have read this book at least a dozen times. I have read
at least 3 different versions, too, but my favorite is a large, heavy,
harbound book, with gorgeous color plates. It is one of the best horse
stories ever writtenm and deserves a place on every bookshelf!
Name: Laura
Email: LauraAg@Juno.com
Rating: 6
Comments: The best book I ever read! I even bought my own copy.
It is also the most touching book I ever read.
Everyone should read it!!!!!!!!!!!
Name: Caitlin
Email: Caiterbug10@aol.com
Rating: 5 1/2!!
Comments: Black Beauty is a wonderful, touching book that really
brings you to your senses about horse abuse and how hard horses work for
us.
Name: Britt
Email: orcas12@aol.com
Rating: 5
Comments: I love this book! It is my favorite! I am currently
reading it. I have one of the movie versions, and it is my favorite movie
in the whole world! I really makes you appreciate horses a lot more!
Name: babygirl
Email: lorena_002@hotmail.com
Rating: 5+
Comments: it a great book i really liked it. it is amazing
Name: Ella
Rating: 5+
Comments: Exciting and captivation! Once you start reading it you
can't stop1
Name: Colleen Moser
Email: annemoser@home.com
Rating: 5
Comments: My favorite character is Black Beauty. I think it's nice
when Black Beauty goes to his old owner. I think the people at Birtwick
Park were really nice. I recommend this book to anyone that loves
horses. Love, Colleen Moser
Name: Allie
Rating: 10000000+
Comments:
I read the original version and found it hooking. I
couldn't stop reading it. EVERY horse-lover must read Anna Sewell's
classic... Black Beauty.
Note: For those of you who don't like reading "classics"
get a grip. Black Beauty is the best, and NO HORSE LOVER can have the full
"horse" experience without at least reading one version of Black Beauty!!
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