For the favorite history buff on your list comes the gorgeous tome The Classical Tradition. While many people know we get certain modern words from the ancient civilizations (e.g., from polis to police), few realize how much of our culture is so directly connected to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Classical Tradition collects 563 articles from 339 distinguished authors to look at the way ancient ideas, practices and artistry have influenced Western culture. From art to government, math to medicine, legal theory to popular culture, the influence of the classic traditions can still be felt today, if you know what you’re looking for.