Austin Coates

Austin Coates, born in 1922, had a diverse career that spanned military intelligence, colonial administration, and full-time writing. His early life in London was marked by his father's musical career and his own initial aspirations towards acting. During World War II, he served with RAF Intelligence in the Far East, an experience that profoundly shaped his later work. Following the war, Coates joined the Colonial Service, holding positions in Hong Kong and Malaysia. He retired in 1962 to dedicate himself to writing.

Coates became a prolific author, focusing on Oriental studies, travel, and the history and culture of Hong Kong and Macau. His memoir, "Myself a Mandarin," details his time as a magistrate in Hong Kong. He also gained significant recognition in the Philippines for his biography of national hero José Rizal, "Rizal: Philippine Nationalist and Martyr." Coates' writings often explored cultural understanding between East and West, a theme he became passionate about after meeting Mahatma Gandhi. He passed away in Lisbon in 1997.

Born in London in 1922, Austin Coates was the only child of composer Eric Coates and actress Phyllis Black. His early life was influenced by his father's demanding career, limiting their time together but leading to informal lessons in cartography and astronomy. After initial training in acting, Coates served in RAF Intelligence during World War II, experiencing the Far East for the first time in places like Burma, India, Singapore, and Malaysia. This exposure led to a deep connection with the region, particularly Bombay (now Mumbai), where he felt an immediate sense of belonging. In 1949, he entered the Colonial Service, beginning his administrative career in Hong Kong as Assistant Colonial Secretary. He later served in Sarawak, Malaysia, as a Chinese magistrate and adviser, and held positions in Kuala Lumpur and Penang until his retirement from the service in 1962.

Upon leaving the Colonial Service at age 40, Austin Coates transitioned to a full-time writing career, dedicating himself to exploring the Asia-Pacific region. He settled in Hong Kong in 1965, continuing his extensive travels and writings. His work frequently centered on Hong Kong and Macau, delving into their history, culture, and unique societal dynamics. Coates' memoir, "Myself a Mandarin," offers a personal account of his experiences as a magistrate in Hong Kong. He also authored "Rizal: Philippine Nationalist and Martyr," a biography of the Filipino national hero, which is highly regarded in the Philippines for its insight and readability, aiming to present Rizal's life to a global audience.

Coates' engagement with Eastern cultures, particularly after meeting Mahatma Gandhi, fueled a strong interest in fostering understanding between the East and West. He believed this cross-cultural dialogue was a crucial global objective. His novel "City of Broken Promises," inspired by historical figures in Macau, was adapted into a successful musical. Coates continued to write about China, India, and the broader history of the region, sometimes contrasting Eastern civilizations with Western ones. He moved to Lisbon in 1993 and passed away there in 1997 after a battle with cancer. He never married.

“For a Westerner - or for the West - to believe it is possible in any way to influence China is chimerical. When a Westerner comes to China, no matter how high his rank or how great his influence all that he can achieve - all that he will ever achieve - is to add a grain of salt to sea-water since China, like the sea, is adamantine and of unchanging substance.”