An essential guide to one of the world’s most remarkable, and often misunderstood, cities by the author of Why the Dutch Are Different.
When Ben Coates injures his leg and needs to rebuild his strength by walking, he finds himself presented with an exciting opportunity: to rediscover the city he has been working in for over a decade, at a slower pace. He devises ten walks, each demonstrating a different chapter of Amsterdam’s history, from its humble beginnings as a small fishing community through two Golden Ages, fuelled by the growth of the Dutch colonial empire, two world wars, and countless reinventions.
Join Coates as he meanders past beautiful townhouses and glittering canals, dances at Pride celebrations, witnesses the King’s apology at Keti Koti, attends a WW2 memorial, gets high at a coffee shop, walks through the red-light district, and gazes in awe at Rembrandt paintings, all the while illuminating modern Amsterdam by explaining its past.
Blending travelogue and quirky history, The Invention of Amsterdam is an entertaining and sharply observed portrait of a fascinating and complicated city.
‘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 Amy Johnson and Piccadilly
Praise for Why the Dutch Are Different:
‘Author Ben Coates has produced an insightful gem.’
The Scotsman, Books of the Year
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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
