It [Cambridge] wasn't a holy grail in the sense that I'd never been to Cambridge. But then, when I did go, the contrast between Leeds, which was very black and sooty in those days, and Cambridge, which seemed like something out of a fairystory, in the grip of a hard frost, was just wonderful.

[B]riefing is not reading. In fact it is the antithesis of reading. Briefing is terse, factual and to the point. Reading is untidy, discursive and perpetually inviting. Briefing closes down a subject, reading opens it up.

Cloisters, ancient libraries ... I was confusing learning with the smell of cold stone.

No mention of God. They keep Him up their sleeves for as long as they can, vicars do. They know it puts people off.

I don't talk very well. With writing, you've time to get it right. Also I've found the more I talk the less I write, and if I didn't write no one would want me to talk anyway.

Books are not about passing the time. They're about other lives. Other worlds.

Life is rather like a tin of sardines - we're all of us looking for the key.