Foreign policy often involved nothing more than the decision whom to make war upon.

The way to a landowner's heart was to tax gently.

The cornerstone of the Roman legionnaires' astonishing fighting spirit can be attributed to their training.

The factor that made him so powerful was also his greatest liability.

With ancient history writers most immediately in view, the author indicates "tendency to look to the virtues and vices of individuals when seeking causes.

He was a stylist, not a thinker. He spent time trying to say things in as complicated a way as possible.

Author describes one monarch's impressive table but conveys a contemporary's observation, "the weightiest thing at dinner was the conversation".

Never base motivation or fear, entirely.

Reality confounds image.

The best trip is the journey you take in finding yourself.

Lord Derfel, you do insult a man so very easily. What was it to be? My head in a pit dunged by slaves? What a paltry imagination you do have. Mine, I fear, sometimes seems excessive, even to me.

I would just think that I would remember modeling for the cover of an album with Tom Waits, who I've always loved.

What you wish for, what you most hope for - that is your greatest illusion.

Worriers spend a lot of time shoveling smoke.

In writing I search for believability, simplicity, and emotional impact.

I wanted to find out if we went to the NFL and really took care of guys, really cared about each and every individual, what would happen?

Many a time comes when we want to interpret our weakness and cowardice as forgiveness and renunciation.

There is an emanation from the heart in genuine hospitality which cannot be described, but is immediately felt and puts the stranger at once at his ease.

I love football, I've never really taken an interest in anything else.