A small dark-green hard-covered book published in Constable's Modern Biographies series. The title page has 'Dr. Barnardo as I knew him' by 'One of his Staff (A.E.Neuman) and the Publishers, with date of publication. It has fifteen chapters and 130 pages. There is a dedication page 'To F. M. S. In Memory of the Editorial Room' which gives the context of the author, who was introduced to the literary side of Barnardo's work, in 1889, as 'the right kind' to help an over-worked friend.
Comment: The short Preface makes it clear that the book is not a biography, despite the context of its publication, but personal reminiscences designed to introduce the man himself behind the public philanthropist, and this she does, with gentle frankness.The chapters are without headings, but, after a biographical paragraph or two, move chronologically from her initial interview with the man who was to become her 'hero-in-chief' through events, and anecdotal reflections on a dynamic, perceptive, incisive, autocratic, and hard-working man, to a stage at which she becomes a respected and appreciated colleague, primarily concerned with the Young Helpers League. His introduction to the YHL, by means of what he termed was a dream, or vision, of the concept of a chain of children to provide him with help as he rescues a drowning little one, is nicely told, with its obvious purpose of assisting with the continual funding crisis resulting from his admission policy of never refusing a destitute child.
The YHL became a great success, and the relationship of trust, delegation, endeavour and appreciation between Barnardo and the author is told in good literary style. There is much on staff relationships and management that indicate the ability of Barnardo to temper his own dynamic working pattern with personal consideration and, perhaps above all, humour.
Towards the end there are details of the personal working arrangements made by Barnardo for the author when she had to face commitments to her own family, in which it is clear that his humanitarian concerns were not limited to children only. Reciprocally, the author expresses her insights of Barnardo's own bouts of illness that preceded his death.
The book finishes with a Chronological Summary of Barnardo's life and work, and a short index.
Comment: This is a charming compilation of reminiscences giving a valuable view of Barnardo's personality.