Catherine S. Chan

About the Author

Catherine S. Chan is a historian and writer whose work delves into the intricate intersections of colonialism, culture, and the natural world. With a keen eye for the overlooked narratives of empire, she explores how human societies shape and are shaped by their environments. Her debut book, Savage: The Making of Modern Dogs in British Hong Kong, uncovers the fascinating history of canine domestication and control under colonial rule, revealing the ways in which dogs became symbols of modernity, class, and racial hierarchies in a bustling port city. Drawing on extensive archival research and a narrative flair, Chan's scholarship bridges academic rigor with accessible storytelling, inviting readers to reconsider the everyday animals that define our past. She holds a PhD in History from the University of Hong Kong and teaches courses on colonial Asia and environmental history.