6. Walton, John Six Reformers London: Oxford University Press, 1941

A small, grey, soft-covered book with the title, under the series heading 'Living Names' followed by the list: William Wiberforce, Sir Robert Peel, Elizabeth Fry, Lord Shaftesbury, Florence Nightingale, Dr. Barnardo, and the publisher as Oxford University Press all printed on the front cover. On the back cover, under the series name 'in limp cloth or stout paper binding' is listed the twelve groups, mostly six in each, covering a 'wide range of human achievement', states the O.U.P, suitably enough, for it was wartime, and since the prices were to be found in 'current educational catalogues,' must have been designed for young readers.

The fly leaf has the short title, and the title page the title in full, followed by the author, and the O.U.P. as coming from London, under Geoffrey Cumberlege as University Publisher.

This volume, of 84 pages, has a section for each Reformer. They have in common their services to humanity, and more modern publishers might have been inclined to add 'social' to the name, but 'Reformer' retains the connotation of religious and moral motivation, and the Oxford University Press were content with that.

Comment: The inclusion of Barnardo in the distinguished sextet, almost fifty years after his death, is important for, during his lifetime, the relationship between his particular social commitment and reform was seen as post hoc rather than propter hoc.

The twelve-page synopsis of Barnardo's work is succinct, choosing readable versions of the Jim Jarvis and Carrots experiences as the determinants of his provision of Homes for destitute children, despite set-backs, including his temporary illness; jealousy as the cause of the crticisms that led to the public enquiry, in which 'Every one of the charges made by his enemies was proved to be false...'; and his legal defence of his custodial care of children is presented as ultimately resulting in the 1891 'Barnardo Act'.

Comment:Thus, Barnardo, the Reformer, as taught fifty years ago.