I don't write huge books any more. I used to write 1,000 printed pages, but now I write short books. I did one on Napoleon, 50,000 words - enjoyed doing that. He was a baddie. I did one on Churchill, which was a bestseller in New York, I'm glad to say. 50,000 words. He was a goodie.

Long periods of recession, which tend to be self-perpetuating, are usually ended by war, or by preparations for it.

I like that lady - Sarah Palin. She's great. I like the cut of her jib.

The most intimidating world leader was Lyndon Johnson, who became U.S. President when John Kennedy was assassinated. He exulted in this power and liked to inspire fear.

To many, Heathrow in August is a paradigm of Hell.

As a child I found railroad stations exciting, mysterious, and even beautiful, as indeed they often were.

A Stalin functionary admitted, Innocent people were arrested: naturally - otherwise no one would be frightened. If people were arrested only for specific misdemeanours, all the others would feel safe and so become ripe for treason.