I enjoyed "I Claudius" by Robert Graves. That was also turned into a mini-series.
Amen. Love Rome, but "Clau-clau" is the best that has ever been shown on the boob tube. Rome makes a good pre-quel. (On vacation, we had the pleasure of meeting the man who protrayed young Claudius as a child actor - he is now a talented musician).
Love Deadwood, too. Can't wait for season 3 on DVD.
Notice how the Mayor is the only one who speaks politely, but no one respects him?
I think "Xuin-jin" (Chinese for Swearingen) has gotten more sympathetic and interesting through season two (no season three spoilers, please!)