To begin impatiently is the worst mistake a writer can make

It takes me three or four years to research and write each book and the individual stories stay with you for a long time afterwards.

I feel slightly uneasy at the way historians are consulted as if history is going to repeat itself. It never does.

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

The great European dream was to diminish militant nationalism. We would all be happy Europeans together. But we are going to see the old monster of militant nationalism being awoken when people realise how little control their politicians have.

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.