I just finished reading "The History of White People" by Nell Irvin Painter. It was excellent- a well researched and really well written history book. Makes me look at some of my own assumptions with new eyes.
I read a lot of non-fiction. I am also working my way through Margaret Frazer's Joliffe series. I have read all of the Dame Frevisse books by her. (about a 15th century nun) Joliffe is a player (actor) in the 15th century. well researched and well written fiction.