Interview

‘The more I read, the more I change my mind.’

What’s the most exciting field in history today? The history of political thought.

‘History is an illusion, as with everything that changes.’

‘I’d like to have met Baranamtara, the Queen of Lagash in the early 24th century BC.’

‘It is not the rich and seemingly powerful that make history, but the majority of humans.’

‘Looking at my native country from outside opened completely new ways of thinking.’

‘Being a careful analyst of history can help anticipate trends in the present and future.’

We ask 20 questions of leading historians on why their research matters, one book everyone should read and their views on historical drama …

‘We cannot ignore the long legacies of history.’

‘I change my mind – at least a little – after everything I read.’