SEBASTIAN — Although most people are familiar with the classic Black Beauty, few realize it was one of the first books to encourage empathy for animals and spark the public’s interest in animal welfare.
To celebrate literature that encouraged the creation of humane societies and kindness to animals, The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is presenting “Books that Made the World a Better Place for Animals” at the North Indian River County Library in Sebastian.
The exhibit features three books: Black Beauty, Beautiful Joe, and Michael, Brother of Jerry.
The exhibit highlights an 1890 copy of Black Beauty. Recognizing the novel’s popularity, The American Humane Education Society created this special edition that included animal care and welfare information inside the front and back of the book.
Black Beauty raised awareness of animal issues and fueled interest in The Band of Mercy, a youth organization in Great Britain and the United States that campaigned against animal cruelty.
The exhibit also features a 1902 edition of Beautiful Joe. Originally published in 1893, this best-selling novel by Canadian author Marshall Saunders is based on the true story of a dog rescued from an abusive home.
The book highlighted the special bond between humans and their canine companions.
A 1917 edition of Michael, Brother of Jerry by Jack London is also on display. Michael, Brother of Jerry revealed harsh animal training techniques that were common during the time period.
Published posthumously, London’s Michael, Brother of Jerry was so popular that animal protection groups known as “Jack London Clubs” gained prominence in the early twentieth century.
Library visitors can also see turn-of-the-century humane memorabilia including a Band of Mercy medal, photos, posters, and a scrapbook filled with animal welfare articles from the early 1900s.
Black Beauty is available on loan from the Indian River County library; however, all of the books can be downloaded for free through Project Gutenberg.
The exhibit is located at 1001 Sebastian Blvd. in Sebastian and was made possible thanks to The North Indian River County Library, a grant from the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, and help from Humane Society volunteers Deb Freed and Phil Marquis.
The exhibit will be on display through September 30.
