"With full access to the Coates family papers and to material gathered by other researchers, Michael Bassett offers a thoughtful reassessment of the achievements and failures of Coates's political career. He provides clear explanations of the sometimes complex issues, drawing once again on his own familiarity with the pressures and pleasures of political life. The study of the politician is combined with a fascinating account of the private man - including his Northland origins, his farming background, his gallant military service in the First world War; his personal and family life, and his character."
