I joined the Army in 1965 and served with the 11th Hussars, which I loved. The regiment was so relaxed - a salute was more like a friendly wave.

To begin impatiently is the worst mistake a writer can make

If you smash a city when you're trying to capture it, you actually end up providing the perfect terrain for the defenders while blocking the access for your own armoured vehicles.

I just write the sort of book that I would enjoy reading myself, a book that is both scholarly and recreates the experience of people at that time.

Few things reveal more about political leaders and their systems than the manner of their downfall.

I believe passionately in preemptive pessimism, especially before a book comes out. I expect the worst both from reviewers and sales, and then, with any luck, I may be proved wrong.

I think it's outrageous if a historian has a 'leading thought' because it means they will select their material according to their thesis

The duty of a historian is simply to understand and then convey that understanding, no more than that.

I feel slightly uneasy at the way historians are consulted as if history is going to repeat itself. It never does.

The British bombing of Caen beginning on D-Day in particular was stupid, counter-productive and above all very close to a war crime.

I think one of the great disasters (in military history) is the way that the Second World War has become the defining reference point for every crisis and every conflict.

People with looks are lovely. People with brains are witty. People with cash are wealthy. But people with God are truly happy.

There is no excuse for failure when you gave up

We are the universe pretending to be individuals.

Scepticismcan never be thoroughly applied, else life would come to a standstill.

Messengers and mountain bikers share a common chromosome.

The record company's worst fear is that you'll fall in love or get rich.

It's disconcerting to realize how little you have to say to someone who once occupied such a prominent place in your bed.

Incurably religious, that is the best way to describe the mental condition of so many people.

I think we need to push harder, we the Democrats, because it's an open door for the Republicans - prosperity centers.