Robert Graves is the only writer who can get me excited about military history. This book tells the story of Claudius from his inauspicious childhood until middle age. I've somehow never managed to take a course in ancient history, so much of what I've learned has been through reading on my own. Graves is an entirely enjoyable read and you might learn something.

Roman imperial history is such a soap opera. The book was made into a pretty good miniseries starring Derek Jacobi which will make you want to go out and get a silly haircut. (via my dad)