The story of noble Black Beauty is one of the most popular children's books of all time.

In this sensitive children's adaptation, Beauty movingly describes the friends, people and places - good and bad - that he encounters in the course of his dramatic life as he is passed from master to master.

Anna Sewell wrote her book in the late 19th century as an attempt to improve the conditions of the working horse. It remains a unique document of a time when horses were the main means of transport and a heartfelt message against cruelty to animals. While primarily teaching about animal rights, it also looks at how to treat people with kindness, sympathy, and respect.

In this audiobook, a beautiful soundscape transports readers to the heart of each scene. Beauty's narrative is complemented by hundreds of facts about cab horses and carriage horses in town and country and the practicalities of their treatment and ill-treatment.

This powerful audiobook and its fascinating context can be enjoyed and understood by a new generation of animal lovers.

Narrated by the formidable Juliet Stevenson, who has over read 140 audiobooks, she brings the characters of Black Beauty to life.

© 1887; 1997 Anna Sewell; Caryn Jenner © 2000 DK Audio