Book excerpt: Throughout his life Reuben has demonstrated strong values, based on respect for traditional institutions such as family and society. Social housing has played a key role and his experience both as a tenant and dynamic campaigner confirms that safe, decent and affordable housing is not just a basic necessity, but a platform from which other aspirations are met. It affects opportunities in other areas of life, such as health, employment and education. Although this book is primarily a legacy for Reuben’s children and grandchildren, it has a far wider benefit. His upbringing in the inter-war years will strike a chord with many of his generation and readers will find here the true impact of changing economic, social and political conditions on generations of lives.