Black Beauty  By  cover art

Black Beauty

By: Anna Sewell, R. D. Carstairs - adaptation
Narrated by: Samuel West, Samantha Bond, Tamzin Outhwaite, Paul Thornley, Matt Stokoe

Publisher's summary

Framed as a first-person narrative from the eponymous horse, this much-loved family classic follows Black Beauty's journey from a well-born colt to a painfully overworked cab horse. Brimming with vivid detail and relatable characters, each chapter of Black Beauty's long and varied life communicates an important message about kindness, sympathy and understanding.

Following the success of the double Audie award-winning Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book: The Mowgli Stories, Audible Originals UK are excited to announce this reimagination of Sewell's unique concept as an animal-based audio drama for all the family.

Black Beauty features lead performances from Samuel West (BAFTA nominated; Mr Selfridge, Howards End), Samantha Bond (SAG nominated; Downton Abbey, James Bond), Paul Thornley (Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, Les Misérables) and Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders, Great Expectations, Foyle's War) as well as the original theme music 'Galloping Home' by Denis King.

Public Domain (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Critic reviews

"Get ready to laugh, cry and sigh with nostalgia as everyone's favourite fictional horse makes a comeback." (Horse & Countryside)
"Perfect for the whole family to listen to together." (The Week)

Featured Article: 25+ Quotes About the Power of Kindness


Kindness is the quality of being considerate, compassionate, generous, gentle, and caring towards others without expecting anything in return. Often described as a virtue, kindness is also a strength—in fact, it may be one of humanity's greatest superpowers. Whenever you need a little encouragement or gentle reminder, turn to these quotes from authors who understand the power of kindness and express it quite remarkably.

What listeners say about Black Beauty

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good for an 1877 novel

Great performance and voices. This novel was written in 1877 and its depiction of horse mistreatment led to major animal rights reform for horses. It’s a little sad to listen to how horses could be mistreated, and the writing has a lot of simplistic “life lessons” similar to the book little women, but also gives insight into what life was like in the late 19th century. This was my first time to read it (I am in my 30s) but I see why it is considered one of those classics used in schools.

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    5 out of 5 stars

So endearing

Really pleasant listen

Just the right amount of drama without turning depressing

Overall a happy sweet and easy to listen to story

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A magical dramatization

This audio dramatization of the story and of the 1970s BBC series was truly magical. It reminded me of one of those classic radio dramas in which we are plunged in to a world of sound, sites and periods of history, capturing our imagination and our senses. The performance was excellent, the sound affects were wonderful and the music was enchanting. I have always loved the theme tune, Galloping Home. At the end of the production, where the theme tune is played in its entirety, I was filled with nostalgia as I remember being mesmerized as a young child at the TV series. Thank you for this amazing production. I will listen to it again without question. I have also recommended it to a friend who said she could not stop listening to it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book

Great book for kids 10+. This book is a free book, and is easy to fallow.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best Black Beauty adaptations

As a lifelong fan of this story, it was really well told and acted well. It is very true to the book I’ve loved so much. I definitely recommend this adaptation for any fan of the book or any horse fan for that matter.

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  • Overall
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Reader was fine

Story bored me to death, I tried to remove it but was not able to remove.

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Loved the story!

I had not heard this story before, but it was very heartwarming. It teaches compassion and love, not only for animals, but also people. I will listen to it again, and also share it with my children and grandchildren!

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A classic all should read

This is a wonderful book that should be required reading for all. The performance was spectacular and paced well. I really enjoyed this audio book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Such a moving tale

I haven’t read or listen to the book in years. What a joy to hear it again after so much time has past. A classic for all times and all ages.

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beautiful work

I wish to listen to more audiobooks like this one. excellent work from the producers and actors

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