Empires of the Sea by Roger Crowley

Outstanding work of narrative history concerning the contest for control of the Mediterranean Sea in the 16th century. From the conquest of Rhodes, to the Siege of Malta, to the Battle of Lepanto, it's all here, told in thrilling style. One of the most enthralling history books I've ever read.

Socrates by Paul Johnson

Johnson is an historian (maybe the greatest living historian), and he takes an historians approach to an introduction to Socrates. Excellent. (audiobook)