 In 1888, Reed wrote the first of many books and short stories, often set in Arkansas and focusing on various aspects of Southern life. Notably, many of his pieces gave voices to African-American characters. Reed lectured widely and was a noted golfer, fisherman, and gambler. When he died in 1893, the New York Times wrote, his name is inseparable from Arkansas. But a critic held that he wrote something that everybody read but nobody remembers. To learn more, visit encyclopediaofarkansas.net.