Published in 1877, the story is told from the perspective of a horse named Black Beauty, and it details his experiences with different owners and the different ways he is treated. Through Black Beauty's eyes, Sewell exposes the cruelty and neglect that many horses faced in the Victorian era, particularly in the hands of careless or abusive owners.
"Black Beauty" was a hugely successful novel, becoming a classic of children's literature and helping to shift public opinion on the treatment of horses. It is credited with raising awareness of horse welfare issues and contributing to the development of organizations like the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).