Interview

‘Struggles matter in and of themselves.’

‘I’d like to meet the 16th-century Leo Africanus’

‘History unfolds in discernible but unpredictable patterns.’

‘As we grow older, we often learn that we have misunderstood our parents and grandparents.’ 

‘The past has not gone.’

‘There’s always someone missing from the story.’

‘Looking at medieval history through the prism of Max Weber is challenging.’

History has taught me that even ‘unreformable’ systems can be reformed or dismantled from within.

What historical topic have I changed my mind on? The ‘greatness’ of Britain. 

What will future generations judge us most harshly for? Abandoning the rule that truth matters in public life.