Anna Sewell

Date of Birth: March 30, 1820

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 25, 1878

Biography

Anna Sewell was an English novelist best known for her classic work “Black Beauty,” which was published in 1877. Born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, Anna grew up in a Quaker family and was educated at home by her mother, who was also a writer of juvenile fiction. At the age of 14, Anna suffered a severe ankle injury that left her unable to walk without the aid of crutches, an experience that deepened her empathy for both humans and animals. Despite her disability, she remained active in social causes, particularly the humane treatment of horses. Anna Sewell’s only published work, “Black Beauty,” was initially intended to promote the humane treatment of horses. The novel is written from the perspective of a horse and provides a powerful commentary on animal welfare. Although the book was published just five months before her death, it went on to become one of the best-selling books of all time, profoundly influencing the animal welfare movement.

5 Interesting Facts about Anna Sewell

1. Anna Sewell wrote “Black Beauty” during the last years of her life while she was mostly bedridden due to her illness.

2. “Black Beauty” has never been out of print since its first publication in 1877.

3. The book was initially sold as a children’s book, but it was intended by Sewell to promote the humane treatment of horses.

4. Anna Sewell’s mother, Mary Wright Sewell, was a successful author of children’s books and poetry.

5. Sewell’s writing was heavily influenced by her Quaker beliefs, particularly the values of kindness, empathy, and social justice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anna Sewell

1. “My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.”

2. “It is good people who make good places.”

3. “There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast, it is all a sham.”

4. “Only ignorance! only ignorance! how can you talk about only ignorance? Don’t you know that it is the worst thing in the world, next to wickedness?”

5. “If we could but see one another as we really are, the most beautiful woman would be the one who is kindest and loves most.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Anna Sewell’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but “Black Beauty” has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling books of all time.