First published in 1893, Marshall Saunders’s Beautiful Joe is a remarkable classic of Canadian literature that explores issues of animal cruelty. An instant success upon its release Beautiful Joe became the first book to sell over a million copies in Canada. Told from the point of view of the main character, the novel is loosely based on the true story of a horribly abused terrier-mix named Joe, who was rescued by a friend of the author. As Joe begins to tell his story, the reader quickly meets his cruel owner Jenkins. Jenkins mistreatment grows more intense over time and the reader develops a deep sympathy for Joe and his canine friends. Joe’s journey through abuse to being rescued and finally cared for is a harrowing and emotional account of cruelty that has inspired generations of animal lovers to work to protect the rights of their beloved companions. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.