Stephen Bates is a British journalist and author with a career spanning over three decades in prominent media outlets, including the BBC, the "Daily Telegraph", the "Daily Mail", and "The Guardian", where he worked for 22 years. Specializing in politics, European affairs, religion, and British royalty, he reported from more than 40 countries. His debut novel, "The Photographer's Boy", explores themes of journalism, war photography, and politics against the backdrop of the US Civil War. Bates has also authored three nonfiction works: "A Church at War", examining the Anglican Church's conflicts over homosexuality; "God's Own Country", delving into American religious and political history; and "Asquith", a biography of the Edwardian prime minister.
Educated in Modern History at New College, Oxford, Bates combines his journalistic expertise with a deep interest in historical narratives. His writing often bridges past and present, uncovering lesser-known stories with meticulous research. Upcoming works include "An Immense Scheme in View: Britain in 1846", analyzing Victorian-era upheavals, and "The Poisoner: The Short Life and Deep Crimes of William Palmer", revisiting the infamous trial of a suspected serial killer. A seasoned broadcaster and contributor to international publications, Bates resides in Kent with his family. His agnostic worldview, shaped by years covering religious affairs, informs his critical yet engaging approach to complex historical and social themes.