There is no consensus even today on the merits of Napoleon - and certainly no agreement on the rights and wrongs of the origins of the First World War.

We must admit that history is enjoyable to a large extent because it enables us to pass judgment on the past.

The tragedy of 9/11 galvanised the American superpower into action, leaving us in Europe divided in its wake.

We should be wary of politicians who profess to follow history while only noticing those signposts of history that point in the direction which they themselves already favour.

People know they are lacking something, they are constantly wanting some kind of spiritual guidance.

But Germany will always suffer, I fear, from the intensely dramatic character of the crimes of the Third Reich.

Some people find it difficult to argue with a woman Prime Minister and shrivel up.