If you like historical fiction, how about historical fantasy? Guy Gavriel Kay has a number of books that are pretty light on the fantasy and almost more historical fiction.
Under Heaven, The Lions of Al-Rassan, or A song for Arbonne all come to mind as a good starting point for him. If you don't mind a bit more fantasy mixed in, Tigana is a wonderful book.
Oh, thank you! I shall surely check them out.