Quotes by A. J. P. Taylor

In my opinion, most of the great men of the past were only there for the beer - the wealth, prestige and grandeur that went with the power.
– A. J. P. Taylor
No matter what political reasons are given for war, the underlying reason is always economic.
– A. J. P. Taylor
No war is inevitable until it breaks out.
– A. J. P. Taylor
Perfect soldier, perfect gentleman never gave offence to anyone not even the enemy.
– A. J. P. Taylor
The crusade against Communism was even more imaginary than the specter of Communism.
– A. J. P. Taylor
The great armies, accumulated to provide security and preserve the peace, carried the nations to war by their own weight.
– A. J. P. Taylor
There is nothing more agreeable in life than to make peace with the Establishment - and nothing more corrupting.
– A. J. P. Taylor
He was what I often think is a dangerous thing for a statesman to be - a student of history and like most of those who study history, he learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones.
– A. J. P. Taylor