Anna Sewell (1820-1878) was an English novelist and author of the classic novel Black Beauty. Born in Norfolk, England, Sewell was the daughter of a Quaker family. She was educated at home and developed a love of literature and writing from an early age. Sewell was a passionate advocate for animal rights and welfare, and her novel Black Beauty was written to draw attention to the harsh treatment of horses in Victorian England. The novel was an immediate success and has since become a classic of children's literature. Sewell wrote only one novel in her lifetime, but its influence on the animal rights movement has been profound. Sewell's legacy lives on in the many animal welfare organizations that have been inspired by her work. Sewell's life was cut short by illness, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.