I was a political journalist; I came to writing novels through an interest in politics and power. Robert Harris interestjournalistnovel Change image and share on social
History is what we bring to it, not just the events themselves, but how we interpret those events. Robert Harris bringeventhistory Change image and share on social
One gains a double benefit in writing about the past, conjuring up how things might have been, and at the same time acquiring a different perspective on the present. Robert Harris acquirebenefitconjure Change image and share on social
It's easy enough to get into power. You can make promises and try to be all things to all people. But the moment you have to make decisions, you're going to annoy at least half of them. Whatever you do, in the end you're almost certain to be brought down by your own character traits. Robert Harris annoybringcharacter share on social
I see myself as the literary equivalent of a skilled lathe-operator, or a basket-weaver; a potter, maybe: I make mildly diverting objects that people want to buy. Robert Harris basketbuydivert Change image and share on social
I used to love politics. I can't say I do any more. All the fun has gone out of it. Each side is engaged in this trench warfare of managerialism. They're all too scared to say anything that might make them appear something other than completely bland. Robert Harris blandcompletelyengage share on social
Politics is never a victory, it's just the remorseless grinding forward of events. Robert Harris eventforwardgrind Change image and share on social
Writers and journalists tend to be simplistic about politics when, like all other areas of life, it's more complicated. Robert Harris areacomplicatejournalist Change image and share on social
Cicero most reminds me of Harold Wilson. Both men knew how to keep the show on the road. Robert Harris ciceroharoldknow Change image and share on social
For me, as I suspect for most people, there comes a point where you have enough. If you've got £20 million, why keep going until you've got £100 million or £1,000 million? Does anyone need another vast yacht or private jet or a house full of gold? Robert Harris 000fullgold share on social