Austin Coates and Macao

This article discusses the significance of the British author Austin Coates; his eminence as a writer and historian on Asia, and his appreciation and understanding of Macao society and culture. It seeks to provide an illuminating discourse on the spontaneous intercultural proclivity that led to him being described as ‘a quintessential Englishman’ but ‘a paradox’. ¹ The special affinity Coates felt for Macao and Asia is especially revealed through the publication of his letters to his friend: Austin Coates: Souvenirs and Letters, ² written by Ramón Rodamiláns. This memoir can be considered a testimonial to the ‘special and spontaneous relationship’ formed after the publication of Coates scholarly biography Rizal: Philippines Nationalist and Martyr. ³ The relationship began with a letter of scholarly inquiry, which developed into regular exchanges, while both men moved back and forth across Europe and Asia, meeting infrequently.