I’m glad intparent mentioned John McPhee. He is the prince of non-fiction writers, and has written about SO many things. I think it likely that the OP’s father is already acquainted with his work, but if not, that is a very rich lode to mine. Tracy Kidder is another excellent non-fiction writer on a variety of topics. I love Atul Gowande’s work.
There is, of course, Simon Winchester. I’ve read a couple of his books and found them interesting, but not brilliant.
There are obvious authors to recommend, such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, Stephen Ambrose, David McCollough, Shelby Foote, et al, but I think the OP said she wanted to stay away from American history.
@scout59, does your dad ever watch BookTV, airing on C-Span 2 each weekend? They profile so many non-fiction books, many of the type you have ascribed to your dad.
@2VU0609 – I doubt it. He’s living in an assisted care facility and has grumbled about the cable TV offerings before. Besides, he watches very little TV, although BookTV does sound right up his alley. Maybe this is something I could even ask his assisted care facility about.
I’m liking the idea of “The Emperor of All Maladies” – there was a time he didn’t want to read anything about disease or medicine, but he seems more receptive now. “Zero” sounds good, too.
So many other good suggestions – thank you all so much!
@Consolation, yes I’m avoiding most American history, even though there was a time he read everything Lincoln (and he does like most of McCullough’s books.) It’s hard enough to find something I think he’ll like without having to return those books he doesn’t like. It has gotten to the point that now it’s almost a challenge (or a game) just to find a book I think he’ll enjoy. Of course, I could just do what he does when he gives me a book – he just buys things that HE likes and doesn’t really worry if it’s a genre I prefer!