Robert Myron Coates, an American writer, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in the year 1897. His father, a master toolmaker, was a highly sought-after professional, which led the family to embark on numerous travels. As a result, Coates received a well-rounded education at Yale University, graduating in 1916. He then went on to serve in the United States Navy during World War I.
Following his military service, Coates began his career in writing by working for newspapers and later joined the publications departments of several corporations. However, he soon grew tired of the corporate world and decided to relocate to Europe. After spending some time abroad, he returned to the United States in 1926, where he married sculptress Elsa Kirpal and settled in New York City.
Coates made a living by writing book reviews and feature stories for prominent newspapers such as The New York Times and the Herald Tribune. His connections with novelist James Thurber proved to be beneficial, as Thurber secured him a job at The New Yorker magazine. Throughout his tenure at the publication, Coates held various positions, including editor of the "Talk of the Town" section, book reviewer, art critic, and contributor.
Prior to his work at The New Yorker, Coates had already published his first novel, "The Eater of Darkness", in 1926. Interestingly, he had previously published a few poems in The New Republic in 1919.
