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(Description)

Author: Anna Sewell. (John Beer, illustrator).
Title: Black Beauty, The Autobiography of a Horse Illustrated by John Beer.
Publisher: London, Jarrold and Sons, 1894. First Edition Illustrated by John Beer.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 10" X 8".
Pages: xvi-229 pages + publisher's catalog.
Binding: Attractive and very good illustrated full cloth binding (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, some foxing or staining mainly on preliminary and last pages - as shown, gift note of a previous owner on the first endpaper - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the 55 beautiful illustrations by John Beer.

Estimate : (Scarce with no or few other copies available for sale worldwide).

The book: A scarce first illustrated edition of "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell, this 1894 release features the enriching illustrations of John Beer. The tale presented as an autobiography of the eponymous horse, is a poignant and enduring narrative that advocates for the humane treatment of animals. This edition is particularly coveted not just for its literary merit, but for the enchanting visuals that accompany the text, enhancing the reader's engagement with the story.

The author: Anna Sewell (30 March 1820 – 25 April 1878) was an English novelist. She is well known as the author of the 1877 novel Black Beauty, which is now considered one of the top ten best-selling novels for children ever written, although it was intended at the time for an adult audience.

The illustrator: John Beer (1853-1906), although lesser known in the broad landscape of Victorian illustrators, left a significant mark with his detailed and compassionate illustrations for "Black Beauty." His work for this edition provides readers with a visual depth to the story, capturing the spirit and emotion of Anna Sewell's characters with grace and sensitivity. Beer's illustrations not only depict the scenes but also manage to convey the underlying sentiments of care, cruelty, resilience, and hope that are so intrinsic to the narrative. His contribution to this edition of "Black Beauty" elevates the experience, making it a particularly sought-after version for collectors and enthusiasts alike.