R.J. Reilly, who taught 20th century American and English literature at UWindsor in the early 1970s, has recently published both a collection of short stories and a novel – with four more ready for release.R.J. Reilly, who taught 20th century American and English literature at UWindsor in the early 1970s, has recently published both a collection of short stories and a novel – with four more ready for release.

Former English instructor launches literary career in his nineties

A former UWindsor English instructor who is now in his nineties has recently published both a collection of short stories and a novel – with four more ready for release.

R.J. Reilly, who taught 20th century American and English literature at UWindsor briefly in the early 1970s, released The Prevalence of Love: Glimpses of the Human Condition in the spring, and followed it this summer with Over There, a novel about a young GI in Europe during the waning days of the Second World War.

Dr. Reilly, who also taught at the University of Detroit, began the bulk of his fiction career following his retirement in 1987, when he was named Professor Emeritus for contributions to his field of study.

Reilly writes from his own experiences as a soldier, as well as a long and happy marriage; his roles as father and head of the family; his teaching career; his love of the Detroit Tigers; and his strong attachment to the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair.

He is currently working on a third volume of short stories and will soon publish Weekend in the Country; The Pelican Affair; The Bronte House, and On the Trail of Truth.

Reilly’s books are being published by Dog Ear Publishing and are available through Amazon; Barnes and Noble; Ingram, and other book sellers.