Anna Sewell, born on March 30, 1820, in Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, is best known for her enduring literary work, "Black Beauty." This novel, published in 1877, has had a profound impact on animal welfare and is considered one of the first novels to be told from an animal's perspective. Sewell's life, although brief, was marked by her deep compassion for animals and her desire to advocate for their humane treatment.

Sewell was the youngest of three children in a Quaker family. Her early life was shaped by her love for horses, a passion that stemmed from her experiences with her mother's horse-drawn carriage. However, her childhood was marred by health challenges; she sustained injuries that left her largely incapacitated. This confinement afforded her the opportunity to read extensively, honing her writing skills and developing her empathy for the plight of animals.

Sewell's literary career was short-lived, with "Black Beauty" being her only published work. She wrote the novel primarily during her late thirties and completed it while in her mother’s care. The book's release was met with immediate success, resonating with readers and prompting discussions about the treatment of horses and other animals. Sewell's poignant narrative style and powerful themes of kindness and compassion have ensured the book's relevance across generations.

In her personal life, Sewell remained unmarried and devoted her time to both her writing and her advocacy for animal rights. She passed away on April 25, 1878, in Old Felixstowe, Suffolk, England, just a few months after "Black Beauty" was published. Despite her relatively short life, Anna Sewell's legacy endures, as her work continues to inspire and educate about the ethical treatment of animals.