Hi, I'm fairly unfamiliar with the history of Rome as a whole (from Republic to Empire to the "fall" of the Western side in 476). I'm hoping someone here can recommend some good survey/comprehensive books on this particular era of history. Thanks!
Give this list a try:
http://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/wiki/books/europe#wiki_ancient_rome
I'm a big fan of Anthony Everett and his books. He tends to focus on a person (i.e. Cicero or Augustus), but his books are easily accessible to the casual reader and fairly engrossing.