Anna Sewell (1820–1878) wrote one novel, Black Beauty. She was born in Norfolk, England. She and her younger brother, Philip, were home schooled.

At 14, Anna injured her ankles. They never healed properly. For the rest of her life, she walked with a crutch, and used horse-drawn carriages. This led to her love of horses. After Black Beauty was published, the fashion for having horses on short reins so their necks were curved became less popular.

Anna was very ill when she wrote Black Beauty. In 1877, the book was published. Five months later, Anna Sewell died, aged 58.