The thing is, There are pretty much more then a dozen RTS games out there, and I think Im selling it short, so to buy him a book about RTS games in general is practically impossible, because they vary a lot in theme, and in gameplay, you could become an expert in one game, say, Age Of Empires 3, and be completely obliterated in online multiplayer in Starcraft II, or be an expert in Command & Conquer 3, but struggle A LOT with Homeworld, just because even though all those games share quite a few similarities, they just do not work exactly the same, you could apply some very general strategic thinking of course, but ultimately, you would have to modify the details, for the different intricacies that each game offers.

Just Imagine, Ill tell you some themes and/ or types of games that belong in the RTS category but are kind of different from one another:

Historic (Kind of): Age Of Empires(Medieval), Rise Of Nations (Medieval- Modern Era)

Fantasy: Lord Of The Rings: Battle For Middle Earth 2, Warcraft 3

Scifi: Starcraft 2, Sins of a Solar Empire, Command & Conquer 3, Homeworld, Supreme Commander 1, 2

World War 2: Company Of Heroes 1, 2, Men of War

All these games, being RTS, have similarities, but have features that make them distinct from the others. Some of these Features can be pretty unique, and so any special tactic, or strategic plan you use for one game will almost definitely not work for the other.

So If you would really like to buy him a book, I think you would have to get to know some, or at least one of his favourite RTS games that he is playing, and look for a gameplay guide for that game in particular, I think there are some out there

Well, I hope you have good luck finding that book

I guess you could ask again here when you get info on what game or games he is playing right now, hehe

edit: another thing that I thought you could do is, having known one of his favourite RTS games, you could search for art related to that game, such as posters, Battle unit portraits, map designs, etc. Print them, and have them framed, and also give that as a gift maybe...

Edit 2: Ok, So I got curious, and searched a little, this is what I could find:

Strategy Games: A Strategic Introduction by Steffen Von Urydberg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JR1QCJS/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_QFbADb53VS8E3

It looks very generalized, but it may cover up, kind of, what you were asking, and relate to all strategy games

Cheers!

A quick Google shows it released, and is available, but was released back when digital distribution was still becoming a thing that folks accepted and was pre-StarCraft 2 which I'm sure easily eclipsed it once it released. I never played this but vaguely remember following development for a short time.

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• According to Wikipedia it released in 2009: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WorldShift
  
• Looks like it released to ho-hum reviews too: https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/worldshift
  
• Can buy a boxed copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Worldshift-PC/dp/B001CXGC6A
  
• Looks like it relied on dev managed servers for the game to be played, which were taken offline. There is a group on Steam that are making the game playable it seems. Not sure if its worth the effort or not. But it may perk your interested to check it out. https://steamcommunity.com/groups/WorldShift
  
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  Let us know if you decide to check it out. Cheers.

Rise of Nations is for Mac

http://www.amazon.com/Rise-Of-Nations-Gold-Mac/dp/B0002ITT84/

I realise it's quite expensive, but you could always yar-harr it.

Many people call it the best RTS ever made.

It has the same principles of Empire Earth, going from the Ancient age to Present day, and it's real time strategy like Empire Earth/Age of Empires but with a cities concept like Civilisation.

The gamespot review really summarises the game to be honest.

I'm convinced that this is what you're looking for.

As someone who is just now dipping his toes into the RTS, I understand your want for good and easy RTS games. Many RTS gamers I have conversed with over the years have recommended Company of Heroes. It is an RTS set in WWII. Personally, I enjoy the Age of Empires series. I suggest you pick up the Age of Empires Collector's Edition, which includes Age of Empires I and II plus their respective expansions. You should be able to snatch a copy at your local Wal-Mart or you can order it from Amazon. Then just play a custom game with a couple of CPU opponents on the easiest setting, until you become proficient.

The e-book "Basics of Age Empires 2" is a good source of every aspect of that game for competitive play. So if he likes to play aoe2 then it's definitely worth considering. Even if he doesn't play this game in particular, the thought processes described could still be relevant to other rts games.

Good Old Games - https://www.gog.com/

They do not have the two games you mentioned but they do have a lot of the older RTS games. Also all games are DRM free.

Force Commander can be bought for cheap second hand on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00002SV6G/ref=sr_1_1_twi_gam_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1457727446&sr=8-1&keywords=force+commander

KUF (Xbox) is an amazing game! Second on Dawn of War II (but I also hate the lack of base building).

I guess it depends on what console and your personal preference but here are some old school (and sorry, not really multiplayer) games that left a good impression on me over the years: Fire Emblem (Game Boy) is good, Quest 64 (N64) is nostalgically amazing, Black and White 2 (PC), and Dynasty Warriors #AnyOfTheme (Various).

If you have never given DOTA a try...do it!

*EDIT: If you have the $9.99 to drop, check out Demigod.

$148 for a new boxed copy of a 12 year old game most of us already bought once in the past. Sounds like a great deal. /s

https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Rings-Battle-Middle-Earth-PC/dp/B000CA5FLW

SayNoToScalpers

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FREE-EXPRESS-SHIPPING-The-Lord-of-the-Rings-Battle-for-Middle-Earth-2-PC-NEW/253670978497?epid=48149749&hash=item3b0ff7f3c1

The wight of the game is priced higher than hold. look at this shit! I have no idea why EA doesn't put it on origin, it was a very successful game.