Reed discusses the making of a British world in new book

By Kesha Williams

Dr. Charles Reed, an assistant professor in ECSU’s Social and Behavior Sciences Department, announces the publication of his new book, Royal Tourists, Colonial Subjects, and the Making of a British World, 1860-1911. In the book, Reed explores how colonial subjects used visits by Britain’s royal family members to understand their political, social, and cultural worlds.

Reed, who has taught several courses on global empires at ECSU, says that the book was informed by his interactions with students.

“Writing and research and teaching are really two sides of the same coin. Reading and discussing texts and ideas with students and working on research projects with them really help me think about my own work from new perspectives,” Reed said.

“Students express excitement and interest in working with the latest and greatest work, which the research side of things requires me to keep up with.”

Reed’s principal area of research and expertise is the British Empire. The book, Royal Tourists, Colonial Subjects, and the Making of a British World, 1860-1911, reflects some of the research conducted for his dissertation.

Courses Reed has taught at ECSU include History of World Civilizations, History of the Middle East, and an introduction to history. Reed is currently teaching a course on Black Britain, which explores the role of Caribbean and African migrants to the British Isles in the remaking of British culture and society. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, a M.A. degree from Marquette University and a B.A. degree from Wheeling Jesuit University