The true historian, therefore, seeking to compose a true picture of the thing acted, must collect facts and combine facts. Methods will differ, styles will differ. Nobody ever does anything like anybody else; but the end in view is generally the same, and the historian's end is truthful narration. Maxims he will have, if he is wise, never a one; and as for a moral, if he tell his story well, it will need none; if he tell it ill, it will deserve none.

A conventional good read is usually a bad read, a relaxing bath in what we know already. A true good read is surely an act of innovative creation in which we, the readers, become conspirators.

That great dust-heap called 'history'.

[Milton] calls the university "A stony-hearted step-mother."

History is a pageant and not a philosophy.

Is this true or only clever?

Friendship is a word, the very sight of which in print makes the heart warm.