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" Most history books are about power. "

Simon Sebag Montefiore

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" Believe it or not, some Western analysts in the 1930s insisted that Stalin was a 'moderate,' controlled by extremists like the secret police chief Nikolai Yezhov. "

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" In Georgia, where I spend much time, the democratically elected pro-western President Mikhail Saakashvili has been beleaguered by a riotous opposition which proposes creating a constitutional monarchy under the Bagrationi dynasty, with a Spanish racing driver, Prince 'Jorge' Bagrationi, as king. "

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" While most know the young Stalin was a seminarian, few realize that he was also a Georgian patriot, a published romantic poet. "

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" I see the world as an adventure thriller and a voyage of discovery. To me, all lives are lives of mystery and secrecy, and that's what I write about. "

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" We have far too many Tudors. Henry VIII is far too over-rated. He's become the ultimate brand name, like the Marks & Spencers of a high street of British history. I'm more interested in King Herod. "

Simon Sebag Montefiore

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" She grounded me. I have become very disciplined now. I would never have written the books without her. Definitely the cleverest thing I ever did was to marry Santa. Maybe it's the only clever thing I did. "

Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

" The unspoken contract between ruler and subject is that in return for safety, prosperity, and prestige, the Russians entrust power and cede democratic freedoms to their leaders. "

Simon Sebag Montefiore

" There is a view of Russian exceptionalism, that they are a unique civilisation, a view right since Ivan the Terrible that Russia is a special civilisation with a special culture. Putin is pushing that now. "

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

" I much prefer writing fiction. History books, for me, are very hard work, very serious. "

Simon Sebag Montefiore

" Gay weddings will be remembered as Tony Blair's greatest achievement! "

Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

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Simon Sebag Montefiore

" I read many wonderful novels, though I now find the idea of literary fiction obsolete. "

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" I always find that the more Jewish you are, the more people respect you. "

Simon Sebag Montefiore