Black Beauty His Grooms and Companions - A. Sewell

American Humane Education Society, 1890, 1890. First American Edition; publisher's printed boards; minute chipping at the top and bottom of the spine; extremely slight soiling and wear. "Over Ninety Thousand Copies of this Book have been already sold in England" appears at the top of cover.

Small volume measuring 4 1/2" x 7".

The front cover touts this as The "Uncle Tom's Cabin" of the Horse", a fair comment given the effect that this novel has had to this day. How far society has come in this regard is demonstrated by the short instruction manual following the text on the humane killing of a horse or dog, something taken for granted in these days of veterinary open-heart surgery. While the humane sentiments of the Boston Brahmin do-gooders was laudable, it should be noted that the condition and treatment of human beings at that time was not much better than that of animals.

Notable also for the preliminary matter (including the introductory letter of Society president George T. Angell, dated February 12, 1890); essay by Captain John Codman, further letters and addresses by Angell, plus the Society's constitution and advertisement of the book "Our Dumb Animals" at rear.