Right now, in the likely order I will read them:
Cathedral, Forge and Waterwheel, by Frances and Joseph Gies
Thomas Telford, by LTC Rolt
Although somewhat mathematically dyslexic, I have always liked things mechanical; pre-20th Century engineering and manufacturing techniques fascinate me. I checked out a copy of Rolt's A Short History of Machine Tools (which was removed from my public library; they needed more room for the free Wi-Fi loafer's lounge and the ever-expanding Black Empowerment section) and was hooked; I have since purchased a number of his books, which I enjoy immensely. He and Dorothy Hartley (author of Made in England, etc) are two people whose writing styles fit me like a pair of comfortable shoes.
Mr. niteowl77