In prehistoric times mankind often had only two choices in crisis situations: fight or flee. In modern times humor offers us a third alternative fight flee - or laugh.

I race historic muscle cars back in Australia and that's my hobby. And I try to race home as soon as I've finished a movie but don't tell anyone.

The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.

For all history up to the end of the Cold War summit meetings were historic and dramatic occasions when leaders who controlled the destiny of much of the world met to change the world.

Watch the History Channel if you want it literal and historically perfect.

The general consensus among historians among the ones who can handle the fact that 'Lincoln' is in fact historical fiction is that we demonstrate enormous fidelity to history and that beyond that we've actually contributed a line of thinking about Lincoln's presidency that's somewhat original.

Accuracy is paramount in every detail of a work of history. Here's my rule: Ask yourself 'Did this thing happen?' If the answer is yes then it's historical. Then ask 'Did this thing happen precisely this way?' If the answer is yes then it's history if the answer is no not precisely this way then it's historical drama.

Asking the author of historical novels to teach you about history is like expecting the composer of a melody to provide answers about radio transmission.

We are not merely passive pawns of historical forces nor are we victims of the past. We can shape and direct history.

One of the consequences of the Iranian revolution has been an explosion of history. A country once known only from British consular reports and intrepid travelogues is now awash with historical documents letters diaries grainy video weblogs and secret police files of questionable authenticity.