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Ben Coates is the author of Why the Dutch Are Different and The Rhine. He was born in England in 1982 and has worked at various times as a political adviser in London, speechwriter, lobbyist, and aid worker in Africa. He currently lives in a cottage in the Dutch countryside with his wife, children, and assorted farmyard animals. Ben has also worked freelance as a journalist for outlets including Politico, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, the BBC, The Scotsman, and The Irish Times. He writes a regular weekly column for the Dutch newspaper AD.
‘Ben Coates is the ideal companion to wander around Amsterdam with. He’s witty, knowledgeable — without being overbearing — and eager to upend many of the cliches associated with the city. As someone who lives in The Netherlands, and who is married to a Dutch woman, he’s keen to show you the real Amsterdam and, because you’re travelling at walking speed, he has time to linger over details that most travel books overlook. Coates is excellent on what it’s like to live in the city today. However, he’s equally skilled at showing us Amsterdam’s past. The section on the country’s colonial history is both important and informative and he even manages to shed new light on the city under Nazi occupation. The Invention of Amsterdam will make you desperate to jump on the next plane or train to rediscover one of Europe’s most complex cities.’ -- Midge Gillies, author of <i>Amy Johnson</i> and <i>Piccadilly</i> Praise for Why the Dutch Are Different: ‘Author Ben Coates has produced an insightful gem.’ * <em>The Scotsman</em>, Books of the Year * Praise for Why the Dutch Are Different: ‘A book as quietly appealing as its subject and full of fascinating details. Coates is entirely convincing in his affectionate portrait.’ -- Bronwen Maddox * Prospect * Praise for Why the Dutch Are Different: ‘Vivid and informative … An accomplished debut.’ * Geographical * Praise for Why the Dutch Are Different: ‘A striking portrait of the Netherlands in the 21st century, offering a refreshing and long overdue update of the way the Dutch national character is described.’ * Edinburgh Book Review *
