[In 16th century European society] Marriage was the triumphal arch through which women, almost without exception, had to pass in order to reach the public eye. And after marriage followed, in theory, the total self-abnegation of the woman.

I hate the only one of my book jackets when I was made up professionally, my hair made into a smooth bell.

I realize that I had always in my heart of hearts planned to write a biography of Marie Antoinette.

I am re-reading Henry James as a change from history. I began with Daisy Miller, and I've just finished Washington Square. What a brilliant, painful book.

My mother was a politician in my formative years.

Ninety-seven is my lucky number.

Normally I make myself swim, do exercises. For zest I like going to the cinema.