Books:
* The Golden City: New York, 1880-1920 (1957) - His most well-known book, exploring New York City's architectural evolution during the Gilded Age and its shift from a Victorian city to a modern metropolis.
* The Architect and His Image: The American Architect in Relation to Society, 1830-1910 (1970) - Explores the social and cultural context of American architects during this era, focusing on their roles and public perceptions.
* The Enduring City: Architecture in the Changing Metropolis (1973) - Analyzes the evolution of cities and the challenges of designing buildings within them, considering factors like technology, urban planning, and social needs.
* The History of Architecture in America (with David G. De Long) - A textbook used in various architectural courses.
Other Notable Works:
* Numerous articles and essays for publications like The New York Times, Architectural Record, and The New Yorker.
* Contributions to exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Reed's writing style is characterized by its scholarly approach, meticulous research, and engaging prose. He focused on the social, cultural, and political contexts shaping architecture and urban development, providing a nuanced understanding of how buildings reflect their time and place.