Influenced as child by conservative Christians.  Influenced as a teen by conservative atheists.  Influenced as a young adult by liberal colleges.  Presently influenced by a practical wife.

Author influences include but not limited to, Robert Heinlein, Issac Asimov, Jayne Ann Krentz, J.R.R.Tolkien, Lindsey Davis, and Shelby Foote.

Books that I have reread many times, The Past Through Tomorrow by Heinlein, and The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien.

Book I recommend the most, The Cambridge Medieval World History, two volume condensed set.