The worship of Thomas More goes beyond Catholics.

When you become published and become a reviewer, piles of books come along and you are pushed by fashion and what you are commissioned to do.

I only became a novelist because I thought I had missed my chance to become a historian.

One of the ideals [Margaret Thatcher] grew up with was self-denial and postponement of gratification, and yet she went about to create a greedy, short-term society. It is a paradox.

If the monarchy were removed tomorrow, it wouldn't have a huge effect on the national mind-set. The monarchy is mildly interesting and largely harmless. I can't find I can get very heated about it. In the next couple of generations, it is bound to go. There is so much else in the world that is more interesting.

At New Year's he had given Anne a present of silver forks with handles of rock crystal. He hopes she will use them to eat with, not to stick in people.

History is always changing behind us, and the past changes a little every time we retell it.