Why the Dutch are Different: A Journey into the Hidden Heart of the Netherlands: From Amsterdam to Zwarte Piet, the acclaimed guide to travel in Holland

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER'Provides the answers to all the questions I had but didn't dare ask about the Netherlands' DutchNewsStranded at Schiphol airport, Ben Coates called up a friendly Dutch girl he'd met some months earlier. He stayed for dinner. Actually, he stayed for good. Ben Coates delves into the heart of his adopted homeland and discovers why Amsterdam's brothels are going out of business, who really killed Anne Frank and why the colour orange is so important. He also discovers a country that is changing fast, with the Dutch now questioning many of the liberal policies that made their country famous.You'll find out why the Dutch are…the tallest people on Earthclosing prisons through lack of demandnot as environmentally friendly as everyone thinksvoracious cheese-eatersA personal portrait of a fascinating people, a sideways history and an entertaining travelogue, this is the story of a man who went Dutch – and loved it. 'Full of fascinating details. Coates is entirely convincing in his affectionate portrait' Prospect'Vivid and informative. Coates intertwines the nation's journey to its modern iteration with his own adaptation to the Dutch lifestyle. An accomplished debut' Geographical 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 and aid worker. He now works for an international charity and lives with his Dutch wife in Rotterdam. ben-coates.com nicholasbrealey.com @bencoates1 @NicholasBrealey /WhyTheDutchAreDifferent /NicholasBrealeyPublishing