Ben Coates

Ben Coates was born in England in 1982. After completing a master’s degree in economics, he worked as a political adviser, corporate speechwriter, lobbyist, journalist and aid worker. He has written for publications including the Independent, the Daily Telegraph, the Scotsman, the Irish Times and BBC News. He now works for an international organisation and lives with his wife, daughter and dog in a cottage in the Dutch countryside. He is the author of two best-selling books: the 'The Rhine', which blends travelogue with a lively history of western Europe; and 'Why the Dutch are Different', an exploration of the Netherlands and its unique history, politics and culture.