> If you want historical novels from that period, try Neal Stephenson's
> Quicksilver.
> Interesting science & politics -- one leading character is Newton's roommate at
> Cambridge -- plus some derring-do. It was first published as a triliogy of thick
> books, later released as 8 smaller volumes.
>
> The only other historical novels I've read that were as good were I, Claudius,
> and the Flashman series.
If we're talking historical novels now: I've been reading 'Q' by Luther Blissett (a collective which has now morphed into Wu Ming) and it's awesome! Set during the Reformation, with the action all over Europe. I know you asked for non-fiction, but this is something of a novel of ideas, all about the politics, allegorical w/ respect to the 20th century left, and also a page-turning adventure. Check it out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_%28novel%29
Mike Beggs