Black Beauty · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.
Chapter 1
I: My Early Home
Black Beauty recalls his early life in a pleasant meadow, living with his mother Duchess and other colts. His mother teaches him good manners and warns him against bad behavior. Their master is kind, and a plowboy named Dick is dismissed for tormenting the colts.
Chapter 2
The Hunt
Black Beauty recalls a hunt he witnessed as a young colt. The hounds chase and kill a hare, but the hunt ends in tragedy when two horses fall, one fatally breaking his leg and being shot, and the rider, young George Gordon, dies from a broken neck. Beauty's mother reflects on the senselessness of the sport.
Chapter 3
My Breaking In
Black Beauty describes his physical development and the process of being broken in by his master, who ensures he is not frightened or hurt. He learns to wear a bit, bridle, saddle, and harness, and is gradually accustomed to carrying a rider and pulling a cart. His master also sends him to a neighboring farm to become desensitized to trains. Black Beauty's mother advises him to always do his best and maintain a good name, warning him about the different kinds of men he may encounter.
Chapter 4
Birtwick Park
Black Beauty is taken from his first home to Squire Gordon's estate at Birtwick Park, where he is placed in a comfortable loose box. He meets Merrylegs, a friendly gray pony, and Ginger, a chestnut mare with a biting habit. Merrylegs explains that Ginger's bad temper stems from past ill-treatment, and reassures Beauty that Birtwick Park is a kind and good home.
Chapter 5
A Fair Start
Black Beauty is introduced to his new home at Birtwick Park, where he meets John Manly, James Howard, and the other horses. He is given the name 'Black Beauty' by Squire Gordon and his wife, and he learns that Rob Roy, who died in the hunt, was his brother.
Chapter 6
Liberty
Black Beauty reflects on his life at Birtwick Park, expressing contentment with his care but longing for the freedom he once knew. He describes the constraints of stable life and the patience of John Manly, who understands his high spirits. On summer Sundays, the horses are turned out into the paddock for a few hours of liberty, which they cherish.
Chapter 7
Ginger
Ginger shares her painful past with Black Beauty, describing a harsh upbringing without kindness, brutal breaking-in methods, and a violent struggle with a cruel trainer named Samson. She contrasts this with the eventual gentle care of old Mr. Ryder, who begins to heal her trust.
Chapter 8
Ginger's Story Continued
Ginger continues her story, describing her harsh treatment after being sold to a fashionable gentleman in London, where she was subjected to a tight checkrein and cruel handling. She recounts her rebellion, subsequent sales, and eventual arrival at Birtwick Park, where kindness from John Manly and James Howard begins to heal her. The chapter highlights the transformative power of gentle treatment, as Ginger becomes more trusting and cheerful.
Chapter 9
Merrylegs
Merrylegs recounts to Black Beauty how he gently taught the Blomefield boys a lesson by letting them slip off his back when they whipped him too hard, emphasizing his trustworthiness and the importance of good treatment. He contrasts his own patient, understanding nature with Ginger's more aggressive impulses, and reflects on the security and kindness he has experienced at Birtwick Park.
Chapter 10
A Talk in the Orchard
In the orchard, Black Beauty, Ginger, Sir Oliver, Merrylegs, and Justice discuss the cruel practice of tail docking and the use of blinkers, with Sir Oliver condemning fashion as a wicked force that causes unnecessary suffering to animals. Merrylegs reminds them to be grateful for their kind master and grooms, and they end the conversation by eating fallen apples.
Chapter 11
Plain Speaking
Black Beauty reflects on the kindness of the Squire and his wife at Birtwick Park, who are respected for their compassion toward all creatures. The Squire confronts a builder, Mr. Sawyer, for brutally whipping a pony, and later debates with Captain Langley about the cruelty and impracticality of checkreins, advocating for common sense over fashion.
Chapter 12
A Stormy Day
During a late autumn journey, Black Beauty, John Manly, and his master face a severe storm. After a falling oak blocks their path, they take a detour. At the wooden bridge, Black Beauty refuses to cross, sensing danger. The tollgate keeper warns them the bridge is broken. They turn back safely, and later the master reflects on how animals possess a special knowledge that can save lives.
Chapter 13
The Devil's Trade Mark
John Manly and Black Beauty witness a boy, Bill Bushby, cruelly whipping and kicking a pony for refusing to leap a gate that is too high. John refuses to help the boy out of a thorn hedge and reports the incident to the farmer. Later, James Howard recounts a similar incident from school where he punished Bill for pulling wings off flies, and recalls the master's lesson that cruelty is the devil's trademark while kindness is God's mark. John affirms that true religion is shown through love and kindness to all.
Chapter 14
James Howard
Squire Gordon, seeking a trustworthy groom for his brother-in-law Sir Clifford Williams, tests John Manly's opinion of James Howard. John gives a glowing character reference, and James is offered a position at Clifford Hall. In preparation, James receives extensive driving practice with Black Beauty and Ginger.
Chapter 15
The Old Hostler
Black Beauty and Ginger are driven by James Howard to a hotel where they meet an experienced old hostler with a crooked leg. The hostler demonstrates remarkable skill and speed in grooming, and shares his philosophy on horse care, emphasizing that a horse's temperament is shaped by early treatment. He praises Beauty's good manners and learns that Beauty belongs to Squire Gordon of Birtwick Park. The conversation turns to the tragic death of Squire Gordon's son and his horse Rob Roy, highlighting the dangers of reckless riding.
Chapter 16
The Fire
A fire breaks out in the stable where Black Beauty and Ginger are staying. The horses panic, but James Howard bravely leads them to safety, first rescuing Black Beauty and then returning for Ginger. The fire is eventually extinguished by the fire engine, but two horses are left to die. The cause is traced to Dick Towler's carelessness with a pipe.
Chapter 17
John Manly’s Talk
After a safe journey home, John Manly discusses the hiring of young Joe Green to replace James Howard. John shares his personal story of being orphaned with his crippled sister Nelly and how kindness from his master, mistress, and old Norman helped them. He argues against selfishness, emphasizing the importance of helping others. Joe begins his training, and James departs, leaving everyone sad, especially Merrylegs.
Chapter 18
Going for the Doctor
Black Beauty is roused in the night for an urgent ride to fetch Dr. White for Mrs. Gordon, who is gravely ill. John Manly rides Beauty at a gallop for eight miles, and the doctor uses Beauty for the return journey. After the ride, Beauty becomes severely ill due to improper aftercare by young Joe Green, but John Manly nurses him back to health. Beauty learns that his speed saved his mistress's life.
Chapter 19
XIX: Only Ignorance
Black Beauty is gravely ill and being treated by Mr. Bond. John Manly and Thomas Green discuss Joe Green's role in Beauty's illness, with John initially struggling to forgive Joe but eventually agreeing to speak kindly to him. John argues that ignorance is nearly as harmful as wickedness, using examples of Martha Mulwash, Bill Starkey, and the young ladies who damaged Tom's plants.
Chapter 20
Joe Green
Joe Green, a young stable boy, witnesses a carter brutally flogging two horses stuck in the mud. He intervenes, reports the man to the brick-maker Mr. Clay, and later gives evidence before the magistrate (Squire Gordon). The carter is committed for trial, and Joe earns praise from John Manly, showing newfound maturity and determination.
Chapter 21
The Parting
Black Beauty reflects on the end of his happy three years at Birtwick Park as the mistress's illness forces the household to break up. The master sells Ginger and Beauty to the Earl of W⸺, gives Merrylegs to the vicar, and arranges for Joe Green to care for the pony. John Manly decides to become a colt-breaker and horse-trainer. The chapter concludes with the emotional departure of the master and mistress, leaving the servants and horses behind.
Chapter 22
Earlshall
Black Beauty and Ginger are sold to the Earl of W⸺ and taken to Earlshall Park. John Manly gives Mr. York a detailed account of their temperaments, warning that Ginger is sensitive and may react to harsh treatment. Despite Lord W⸺'s reasonable intentions, the lady of the house insists on tight checkreins for style, and the horses begin to suffer as the rein is gradually shortened, causing discomfort and dread.
Chapter 23
A Strike for Liberty
Ginger rebels against the painful checkrein by rearing and kicking, causing a violent accident that injures herself and Black Beauty. York blames Lady W⸺'s insistence on the tight rein, and Ginger is subsequently sold to a younger son. Black Beauty is paired with a new horse, Max, who explains the trade's cruel practices.
Chapter 24
XXIV: The Lady Anne, or a Runaway Horse
Lady Anne, a skilled horsewoman, insists on riding the nervous mare Lizzie despite warnings from her cousin Blantyre. During a brief stop, a colt startles Lizzie, causing her to bolt with Lady Anne. Black Beauty (as 'Black Auster') and Blantyre give chase across a common. Lizzie stumbles and falls, throwing Lady Anne, who lies unconscious. Blantyre sends for help, and Lady Anne eventually recovers, with Black Beauty praised for his loyalty and speed.
Chapter 25
XXV: Reuben Smith
Reuben Smith, a skilled but alcoholic groom, is left in charge of the stables. Despite his competence, his drinking leads to his dismissal and later reinstatement. While driving Black Beauty back from a trip, Smith becomes drunk, ignores a loose shoe, and forces the horse to gallop on a stony road. Beauty loses a shoe, stumbles, and falls, throwing Smith, who lies motionless and groaning. Beauty is left in pain and alone on the dark road.
Chapter 26
XXVI: How It Ended
After Reuben Smith's drunken ride leads to his fatal fall from Black Beauty, the horse is found with severe injuries. An inquest clears Black Beauty of blame, and Reuben's widow Susan is left destitute, forced to enter the workhouse with her six children.
Chapter 27
Ruined and Going Downhill
Black Beauty, after recovering from his knee injuries, is turned out to a meadow where he is reunited with Ginger. Ginger recounts how she was ruined by Lord George's reckless riding in a steeplechase. The Earl, seeing their poor condition, decides to sell Black Beauty. Through York's recommendation, Black Beauty is sold to a livery stable master in Bath and must travel by train, a new and frightening experience.
Chapter 28
XXVIII: A Job Horse and His Drivers
Black Beauty describes his experiences as a job horse, being hired out to various ignorant drivers. He contrasts tight-rein drivers who constantly pull on the mouth with loose-rein drivers who pay no attention. He recounts an incident where a careless driver fails to notice a stone lodged in his hoof, causing pain and lameness until a farmer stops to remove it.
Chapter 29
Cockneys
Black Beauty describes the harsh 'steam-engine style' of driving practiced by ignorant town drivers, who treat horses like machines and show no consideration for their welfare. He recounts a serious accident where his companion Rory is severely injured by a reckless driver, leading to Rory's sale for coal-carting. Beauty also tells the story of Peggy, a mare with short legs who suffers from constant whipping to keep up with faster horses, and reflects on the importance of considerate driving and proper handling, which eventually leads to his sale to Mr. Barry.
Chapter 30
A Thief
Black Beauty's new master, Mr. Barry, is an unmarried businessman in Bath who knows little about horses. He hires a groom named Filcher, who initially seems competent but soon begins stealing Beauty's oats to feed his rabbits. Over two months, Beauty's health declines from lack of proper feed. A farmer friend notices Beauty's poor condition and advises Mr. Barry to investigate. The police eventually catch Filcher's son with stolen oats, and Filcher is sentenced to two months in prison.
Chapter 31
A Humbug
Black Beauty describes his new groom, Alfred Smirk, a lazy and conceited man who neglects proper stable care, leading to unhealthy conditions and thrush in Beauty's feet. Despite Mr. Barry's attempts to address the issues, Smirk's deceit and ignorance cause Beauty's health to decline, resulting in his sale.
Chapter 32
A Horse Fair
Black Beauty describes the chaotic and often cruel horse fair, where he is sold to a kind new owner, Jeremiah Barker, who takes him to London to work as a cab horse.
Chapter 33
A London Cab Horse
Black Beauty describes his new life with Jeremiah Barker, a kind cab driver, and his happy family. He is renamed Jack and becomes a cab horse in London, where he learns to trust Jerry's gentle driving and enjoys good care, including rest on Sundays. He also meets the old horse Captain, who shares his history as a war horse.
Chapter 34
An Old War Horse
Captain recounts his life as a cavalry horse in the Crimean War, describing the training, the harrowing sea voyage, the terror of battle, the death of his beloved master, and the brutal aftermath where wounded horses were shot. He reflects on the grim reality of war, contrasting it with the romanticized view.
Chapter 35
Jerry Barker
Black Beauty describes his new master Jerry Barker as a kind, good-tempered, and merry man who values hard work, punctuality, and treating horses with respect. Jerry refuses to drive recklessly for extra money, but when a young man urgently needs to catch a train after a fall, Jerry and Jack (Black Beauty) make an exception and successfully get him there on time. Jerry refuses the offered extra fare, valuing the man's gratitude over money. The chapter ends with a discussion among cab drivers about principles, luck, and the treatment of horses.
Chapter 36
The Sunday Cab
Jerry Barker refuses Mr. Briggs's offer to take a seven-days' license to drive Mrs. Briggs to church on Sundays, valuing his day of rest for himself, his family, and his horses. Polly supports his decision, and Jerry defends the importance of Sunday rest in a debate with fellow cabmen.
Chapter 37
The Golden Rule
Jerry Barker is asked to take Dinah Brown, a poor woman with a newborn, to see her dying mother on a Sunday. Despite his initial reluctance due to the horses' fatigue and losing his day of rest, Polly persuades him by invoking the Golden Rule. Jerry borrows a light trap, takes Black Beauty on the journey, and allows the horse to graze in a meadow, making the day restorative for both.
Chapter 38
Dolly and a Real Gentleman
Winter brings harsh weather, and the cab horses suffer greatly. Jerry Barker remains a conscientious driver, avoiding taverns and relying on his family's warmth and care. His daughter Dolly bravely brings him hot food. A gentleman intervenes to stop a carter from brutally beating his horses, and later shows kindness to Jerry and Dolly, earning Jerry's praise as a 'real gentleman.' He also pats Black Beauty and speaks kindly to him, a rare gesture of recognition for a working horse.
Chapter 39
Seedy Sam
Black Beauty describes the harsh conditions faced by cab-horses owned by large masters and let out to drivers for a daily fee. He recounts a conversation on the cab stand where a driver called Seedy Sam defends his overworking of his horse, blaming the high fees charged by masters and the low fares set by law. Jerry Barker and the governor listen sympathetically. A few days later, Seedy Sam dies of a fever, his last words lamenting that he never had a Sunday's rest.
Chapter 40
XL: Poor Ginger
Black Beauty encounters a worn-out cab horse and recognizes her as Ginger, who recounts her tragic decline from a life of abuse and overwork. Ginger expresses her wish for death to end her suffering, and later Black Beauty sees a dead chestnut horse with a white streak on its forehead, believing it to be Ginger, and hopes her troubles are over.
Chapter 41
The Butcher
Black Beauty reflects on the harsh treatment of horses in London, particularly butchers' horses driven at great speed, and contrasts it with the kindness shown by some poor owners like a coster-boy and an old coal man.
Chapter 42
The Election
Jerry Barker refuses to hire his cab for electioneering, explaining his principled stance against partisan violence and empty slogans. When his daughter Dolly is muddied and insulted by boys of the opposing faction, Jerry affirms his son Harry's defense of his sister but warns against blind party loyalty, emphasizing that true liberty is not about colors but about voting according to conscience.
Chapter 43
A Friend in Need
On election day, Jerry Barker and Black Beauty work tirelessly through crowded, dangerous streets. After a brief rest, Jerry selflessly offers a free ride to a poor woman carrying her sick child to St. Thomas' Hospital, refusing two rude men who try to commandeer the cab. Later, he encounters Polly's former mistress, who gives him money for the children and offers help if he ever needs to leave cab work.
Chapter 44
Old Captain and His Successor
Captain is severely injured in an accident caused by a drunken drayman, leading Jerry to euthanize him rather than sell him into misery. Jerry then acquires a new horse, Hotspur, a spirited but gentle young horse who adapts well to cab work. The chapter also includes a conversation between Jerry and Grant about overcoming alcohol addiction.
Chapter 45
Jerry's New Year
During the harsh Christmas and New Year season, Jerry Barker works late into the night despite a worsening cough. After a long, cold wait for card players, he returns home gravely ill with bronchitis. While he recovers, Governor Grant helps by exercising Hotspur. A letter from Mrs. Fowler offers the family a cottage and a new job in the country, leading to the sale of the cab and horses. Black Beauty is sold to a new place, marking a bittersweet farewell.
Chapter 46
Jakes and the Lady
Black Beauty is sold to a corn dealer and baker, where he is overloaded and mistreated by the foreman and his carter Jakes, who uses a checkrein and whip. A kind lady intervenes, persuading Jakes to remove the checkrein and treat the horse humanely, leading to a temporary improvement. However, the heavy loads continue, and Black Beauty's health declines, compounded by a poorly-lit stable that weakens his sight. He is eventually sold to a large cab owner.
Chapter 47
Hard Times
Black Beauty describes his brutal new master, Nicholas Skinner, and the relentless misery of life as a London cab horse with no rest, cruel treatment, and overwork. After collapsing under an excessively heavy load on Ludgate Hill, he is nearly killed but slowly recovers with rest and good feed, only to be sent to a horse sale.
Chapter 48
Farmer Thoroughgood and His Grandson Willie
At a horse fair, Black Beauty is among broken-down horses when Farmer Thoroughgood and his grandson Willie notice him. Willie persuades his grandfather to buy Beauty for five pounds, believing he can be restored with rest and good care. Beauty is taken to a meadow, fed well, and cared for by Willie. Over time, his health improves, and by spring he is strong enough to pull a phaeton. The farmer decides to find him a good home.
Chapter 49
My Last Home
Black Beauty is taken on trial by three sisters, Miss Blomefield, Miss Ellen, and Miss Lavinia, after being recommended by Mr. Thoroughgood. Despite his blemished knees, Miss Ellen takes a liking to him. The groom, Joe Green, recognizes Beauty from his time at Birtwick Park and is overjoyed. Beauty is accepted into his new home, where he is treated kindly, and his story ends with him feeling safe and content.
Chapter 50
Endnotes
The endnotes provide a brief historical note on the reduction of the annual cab license fee and the abolition of the distinction between six-day and seven-day cabs.
