Are there any cook books for advanced hobby cooks with a focus on techniques rather than recepies?

I'm looking for a cook book as a birthday present for my dad. He's a good hobby cook and has been cooking all his life. He's got no problems finding interesting recipes online but recently expressed that he'd like to get a book that teaches you some stuff that typically doesn't get mentioned in recipes. Basically stuff that cooks learn during their first years of training. I tried to use Google but the market for cook books is absolutely flooded and it's hard to find the right thing. So I'm making this post in the hopes of getting some recommendations.

He's a pretty pragmatic guy and likes to get straight to the point so I'm looking for something without any fluff. If the book had the appeal of a scientific textbook aimed at apprentices for studying that would be perfect. Also a focus on western cusine would be preferable. He does like to eat food from all around the world but I want to get something that can benefit him the most in his everyday cooking routine.

P.s. He does eat fish and meat but also really likes vegetarian/vegan stuff just in case that has any impact on your recommendation.

Edit: I got plenty of interesting suggestions. Thanks to everyone who participated in the discussion. I'll be researching the books in the next few days.