I work very hard on the writing, writing and rewriting and trying to weed out the lumber.

I can fairly be called an amateur because I do what I do, in the original sense of the word - for love, because I love it. On the other hand, I think that those of us who make our living writing history can also be called true professionals.

The first of all qualities of a general is courage.

We are raising a generation of young Americans who are, to a very large degree, historically illiterate. It's not their faults. There's no problem about enlisting their interest in history. None. The problem is the teachers so often have no history in their background.

Books can change your life. Some of the most influential people in our lives are characters we meet in books.

I would pay to do what I do if I had to.

Read somewhat in the English poets every day. You will find them elegant, entertaining and constructive companions through your whole life.