A man does not see where he treads in battle, for he is watching the enemy.

Only a fool wants war, but once a war starts then it cannot be fought half-heartedly. It cannot even be fought with regret, but must be waged with a savage joy in defeating the enemy, and it is that savage joy that inspires our bards to write their greatest songs about love and war.

I know nothing about producing TV drama and any involvement on my part is liable to prove an obstacle to the producers, so I prefer to be a cheerleader and let them get on with it.

A man does not see where he treads in battle, for he is watching the enemy.

Book tours and research provide a lot of travel - too much, I sometimes think, but we do take vacations.

Pride makes a man, it drives him, it is the shield wall around his reputation... Men die, they said, but reputation does not die.

Of course some days are easier than others, but my worst day is better than being in most humdrum occupations.