Robert Ross

Robert Ross, born in London, studied in Cambridge where he did his PhD (1974) on the history of the Griquas in central South Africa. Since 1976 he has worked in Leiden, as coordinator and (later) Professor in African history. In 2014, Robert Ross retired from active teaching. In addition to his specialised research, he has written general works on South African history, notably being involved as senior editor in the Cambridge History of South Africa (Cambridge, Cambridge UP, 2010 and 2012).

Fields of interest: Colonial South Africa, especially the Cape Colony—slavery, religion, economy, government and the frontier; Black consumption patterns in Southern Africa since the mineral revolution; The global homogenisation of world material culture, especially clothing.