I'm often reassured in a bizarre - perhaps perverse - way when I find in the archive stuff that contradicts what my assumptions have been. That's interesting and exciting. Antony Beevor archiveassumptionbizarre Change image and share on social
When I was younger I used to get my best writing done at night, but now it has to be during the day. I usually finish work at half past seven, then go back to the house to open a bottle of wine, have dinner, and then read or watch television. Antony Beevor backbottleday share on social
It is important to understand the continuing, confused fascination with the Second World War. For most of us, the great unspoken question is how would we have behaved in the face of danger and when forced to make major moral choices. Antony Beevor behavechoiceconfuse share on social
Teaching the history of the British Empire links in with that of the world: for better and for worse, the Empire made us what we are, forming our national identity. A country that does not understand its own history is unlikely to respect that of others. Antony Beevor badlybritishcountry share on social
I just love the days when you come out of the archives with half a dozen excellent descriptions or poignant accounts of personal experiences. Antony Beevor accountarchiveday Change image and share on social
I expect the worst both from reviewers and sales and then, with any luck, I may be proved wrong. Antony Beevor badexpectluck Change image and share on social
I think it's outrageous if a historian has a 'leading thought' because it means they will select their material according to their thesis. Antony Beevor historianleadmaterial Change image and share on social
I read round the subject, I make a skeleton outline, and then I start work in the relevant archives. During the marshaling of the material, I copy the material from each archive file across to the relevant chapter in the skeleton outline. Antony Beevor archivechaptercopy share on social
In my library/study/barn, there is a Ping-Pong table on which I can pile working books and spread maps. Antony Beevor barnbooklibrary Change image and share on social
Politicians are often tempted to deploy history as a weapon against each other. Antony Beevor deployhistorypolitician Change image and share on social
