Author and journalist Mark Zegeling (1966) from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, cultivated his passion for the arts and history in a variety of media (from print to broadcast and digital). During his career in television, spanning over 25 years, he has worked as an editor-in-chief, director and associate producer on about eighty different formats, ranging from nationally covered events to daily news broadcasts, talk shows, travel programs and documentary series. In a nutshell, Mark Zegeling finds his motivation in compelling, engaging and authentic storytelling.
In 2013, his first book ‘Sterke Verhalen voor bij de borrel’ was published, covering the amazing history and architecture of the Netherlands and the hidden stories behind the facades of more than hundred iconic monuments and landmarks across the Netherlands. The book became an instant bestseller (more than 20.000 copies sold), and was in 2014 adapted for audiences abroad and translated into English. The new edition was launched as ‘Little Kingdom by the Sea, a walking guide through history’.
In 2015, the author’s enthusiasm and curiosity oozed again through every page of the high-end coffee table book ‘Kingdom by the Sea, a Celebration of Dutch Cultural Heritage’. Going behind the scenes, the book offers an exclusive peek into the lives of people who pushed the boundaries of a country limited in size but great in hopes and dreams. From the 17th century onwards, Dutch merchants and traders have traveled the seven seas in search of new opportunities. In the Golden Age, Amsterdam became the warehouse of the world and the gateway to Europe. At the same time, Dutch scientists unraveled the mysteries of daily life, while painters presented a new vision of reality and changed the world of art.
‘Kingdom by the Sea’ is representing the spirit of the times. The inspiring stories of courageous pioneers, innovative entrepreneurs, talented artists and other notable characters have captured our imagination for centuries. While flying through history, you’ll discover a charming and fascinating, vividly illustrated, well researched and comprehensive treasure trove of historical stories.
Mark Zegeling is an avid promotor of the Netherlands’ innovative and creative mentality, rooted in the Dutch Golden Age, and which has been part of the countries’ DNA ever since. In 2015, while on an extensive storytelling tour across the US and Canada, the author painted a passionate picture of the Netherlands and its achievements on the world stage. 2015 also found Zegeling being the guest curator of two exhibitions, visualizing the moving stories of the legendary inhabitants of the iconic houses he wrote about. Both exhibitions have captured the attention of a broad audience for its original approach to history.
In 2016, the author will be promoting his books and serving as an ambassador of Dutch cultural heritage by lecturing in twenty cities across China, Korea and Japan. A Chinese adaption of ‘Kingdom by the Sea’ will be presented in Beijing in autumn 2016.
The author has become a member of the advisory board of Delft Village, an extraordinary real estate project in blue and white colors, which pays homage to the rich architectural history of the Netherlands. Furthermore, Mark Zegeling joined forces with Hermon Erfgoed to enable investors to buy shares in a new stock market project ‘Dutch Heritage Fund Kingdom by the Sea’, named after the book. The purchase and rehabilitation of a historic building could be an excellent long-term investment. The proceeds will be used to preserve monuments of historic significance associated with Dutch architecture. After the renovation is completed, the monuments will be given a new lease of life.
For inquiries and lectures on Dutch history and architecture:
bookings@markmedia.nl
Mark Zegeling
Author Kingdom by the Sea,
A celebration of Dutch cultural heritage and architecture
Frits Bolkenstein
