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

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

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.

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.

Sketchy black van? Weird stalking of my house? What are you going to do next, offer me some candy?

It is not the fault of the stars that they shine brightly, but the fault of our eyes that they cannot handle light.

When you say ugly you mean your beauty is not now in style.

The only thing crueler than a cage sosmall that a bird can’t fly is a cage solarge that a bird thinks it can fly.

It is possible to be truly mad and to still exist upon scraps of life.

Once anyone who has a sense of humor can do what they want, they want to do funny bits as much as possible.

People's opinions don't interfere with me.

Believers who have formulated such proofs [for God's existence] ... would never have come to believe as a result of such proofs

I have total recall. I remember being born. I remember being in the womb, I remember being inside. Coming out was great.

I never thought about becoming wealthy. It never crossed my mind. What really motivated me was to try to accomplish something.