The past is a work of art, free of irrelevancies and loose ends.

The past is a work of art, free of irrelevancies and loose ends.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

Qualities absolutely necessary for a historian: (1) Imagination. (2) Prejudice. (3) The power of writing your own biography at the read more

Qualities absolutely necessary for a historian: (1) Imagination. (2) Prejudice. (3) The power of writing your own biography at the same time.

I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.

I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.

Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story.

Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story.

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful read more

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death

In a few years there will be only five kings in the world -- the King of England and the read more

In a few years there will be only five kings in the world -- the King of England and the four kings in a pack of cards.

One of the lessons of history is that 'nothing' is often a good thing to do and always a clever read more

One of the lessons of history is that 'nothing' is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.

Ireland's ruins are historic emotions surrendered to time.

Ireland's ruins are historic emotions surrendered to time.