In America journalism is apt to be regarded as an extension of history: in Britain, as an extension of conversation.

Members rise from CMG (known sometimes in Whitehall as 'Call Me God') to KCMG ('Kindly Call Me God') to .. the GCMG ('God Calls Me God').

Muddle is the extra unknown personality in any committee.

Once you touch the trappings of monarchy, like opening an Egyptian tomb, the inside is liable to crumble.

It has been the bankers' destiny ... to find themselves on the dangerous edge of the world, pointing up the contradictions and cross-purposes. They are not often loved for it.

In America journalism is apt to be regarded as an extension of history: in Britain, as an extension of conversation.