Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Trilogy. I can't reccomend these books enough, people. The tale of King Arthur in the dark ages. No knights in shining armor or high-chivalry. It's gritty, bloody war against Saxon invaders, with a touch of dark wizardry. Very armish. This guy's writing is badass all around, but this series is the best of his work. The Merlin character would -thrive- on Zalanthas. Go buy the first one, The Winter King, and improve your life.
Also picking at Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States. Stirring, but not good bedtime reading. Still, I reccomend.
-WP can read.