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Anna Sewell (1820-1878) was an English novelist, best known for her classic work 'Black Beauty', one of the bestselling books of all time. Written between 1871 and 1877, during the last years of her life, the novel was published in 1877, just five months before Sewell's death. Being invalided from a young age due to an accident, Sewell spent much of her life depending on horse-drawn carriages for mobility, which engendered in her a deep sympathy for the mistreatment of horses. 'Black Beauty', with its original illustrations, became her first and only novel, yet it has had a profound impact on the welfare of horses and the genre of animal-autobiographical works. Written from the perspective of a horse, it shed light on the cruelty animals could face, pushing the animal welfare movement forward. Sewell's narrative style was innovative for its time, giving the animal a voice and perspective that spoke directly to the reader's sense of compassion. Though considered a children's novel, 'Black Beauty' transcends age, being both a compelling story and a treatise on kindness, empathy, and the proper care of animals. Sewell's literary contribution, though singular, remains a timeless and cherished piece of literature that continues to inspire improvements in animal welfare and captivate readers of all generations.
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