A biography for Simon Sebag Montefiorehasn’t been written yet.
“Saddam Hussein admired, studied, and copied Stalin, the paragon of modern dictators.”
“Unlike monarchs, who pass power to their heirs at the moment of death to ensure the survival of the regime, tyrants must simply survive as long as possible.”
“Russian writers enjoy almost sacred status.”
“President Trump is, some ways, the personification of a new Bolshevism of the Right, where the ends justify the means and acceptable tactics include lies and smears and the exploitation of what Lenin called 'useful idiots.'”
“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.”