and social reform Practicable Socialism appeared in 1888 and was, basically, a collection of pieces written separately by Henrietta and Samuel Barnett over the preceding 15 years. 'They were written out of the fullness of the moment with a view of  giving a voice to some need of which we had become conscious' (Barnett and Barnett 1888: v). As such the essays do not set out to provide a systematic treatment of the area, but there are 'two or three great principles' underlying the reforms they advocate: The equal capacity of all to enjoy the best, the superiority of quiet ways over those of striving and crying, character as the one thing needful are the truths with which we have become familiar, and on these truths we take our stand. (Barnett and Barnett op.cit ) The opening essays deal with the poverty of the poor, issues with regard to relief, and reformers misperceptions of those living in poverty. Henrietta Barnett was particularly concerned with the ways in which the vast numbers of people who, 'while poor in money, are rich in life's good, who live quiet, thoughtful, dignified lives' (Barnett and Barnett 1888: 48) are forgotten and the focus put upon those she called 'degraded poor'. She was critical of those who looked down upon 'the poor' -- especially those claiming some Christian impulse. She was exasperated by their failure to grasp the nature of spirituality and the place it could have in people's lives -- and the extent to