Bertha Capen Reynolds (1885-1978), nationally known social work author, political activist and educator, was known for her commitment to social justice and the struggles of poor and working people. This article examines the life and work of Reynolds within the context of significant historical developments in her times: the post-First World War mental hygiene movement; the Great Depression; the social work rank and file movement; and the beginning of social action movements in the 1960s.