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.

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 just love the days when you come out of the archives with half a dozen excellent descriptions or poignant accounts of personal experiences.

I can't envisage stopping writing.

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 am not someone who believes I am going to find a historical scoop.

When I was younger I used to get my best writing done at night, but now it has to be during the day. I usually finish work at half past seven, then go back to the house to open a bottle of wine, have dinner, and then read or watch television.