Where to start
Black Beauty
2 versions · originally a book, 1877
Black Beauty remains a poignant exploration of empathy and animal welfare through the eyes of a resilient horse.
✦ Most fans start here
Black Beauty (1877)
The original novel
✦ Start hereBlack Beauty
Anna Sewell · Book · 1877
The original 1877 book offers a foundational 19th-century morality tale, providing the deepest insight into the horse's perspective and the period's specific social standards regarding animal treatment.
2020 film
Black Beauty
Film · 2020
The 2020 movie modernizes the classic narrative by relocating the story to the American West, focusing on the emotional bond between the horse and a spirited teenager named Jo Green.
Common questions
Is Black Beauty based on a true story?
Black Beauty is a novel written by Anna Sewell and published in 1877. It is a work of fiction rather than a true story, though it was written to advocate for the humane treatment of horses during the nineteenth century.
Should I read the 1877 book before watching the 2020 Black Beauty movie?
You can watch the 2020 Black Beauty movie without reading the original book first. Both versions tell the story of the horse's life, but the 2020 adaptation updates the setting and narrative style to suit a modern audience.
How long is the original Black Beauty book?
The original Black Beauty book, published in 1877, is a relatively short novel. Most standard editions typically range between 200 and 250 pages, depending on the font size and formatting chosen by the publisher.
What order should I consume the Black Beauty adaptations?
There is no official order required to consume the Black Beauty adaptations. You may start with the 1877 book to experience the source material as it was originally written, or begin with the 2020 movie for a contemporary interpretation of the story.