So I've recently been listening to Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast (which I would highly recommend solely on it's entertainment value) and I'd like to try reading some historical non-fiction. I finished and enjoyed the Killing series of books (Killing Patton, Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus) earlier this summer.

I'm trying to walk the line between narrative and a research tome, and i'd like to get some recommendations on books that are both informative and educating, but also enjoyable to read. I found the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon, but I was concerned it might be too dry to enjoy as recreational reading. I was looking at purchasing the first three volumes if that matters.

I would also like a recommendation on books that explore the expansion and heyday of the Roman Empires history.

Thanks for any recommendations!