In 1917 European history, in the old sense, came to an end. World history began. It was the year of Lenin and Woodrow Wilson, both of whom repudiated the traditional standards of political behaviour. Both preached Utopia, Heaven on Earth. It was the moment of birth for our contemporary world.

Though the object of being a Great Power is to be able to fight a Great War, the only way of remaining a Great Power is not to fight one.

History is not another name for the past, as many people imply. It is the name for stories about the past.

A racing tipster who only reached Hitler's level of accuracy would not do well for his clients.

In my opinion, most of the great men of the past were only there for the beer - the wealth, prestige and grandeur that went with the power.

History is not a catalogue but...a convincing version of events.

There is nothing nicer than nodding off while reading. Going fast asleep and then being woken by the crash of the book on the floor, then saying to yourself, well it doesn't matter much. An admirable feeling.