Speaking Out for America's Poor

When, in 1903, Robert Hunter, a social worker from Indiana, married the daughter of one of the richest men in America, the press took notice. When it was revealed that the young couple would forsake the luxuries of their Manhattan mansion to live in a slum neighbourhood in order to serve the poor, this was front-page news. Robert Hunter had already made an impact on social reform. He demonstrated, for the first time, that poverty was preventable by appropriate government action. His proposals helped precipitate action at state and local levels and foreshadowed much of the social legislation enacted under the New Deal. Despite the major impact that Hunter's work had in bringing about important social reforms of the Progressive Era, his contributions have been largely forgotten. With this accessible, well-written, and thoroughly researched account of his life and work, Hunter's rightful place among social pioneers is now assured.