Hi,

I have a specific request regarding book recommendations. It's for a friend, so I'm trying to match his needs.

He is finishing reading "Mindfulness in Plain English" and is meditating semi-regularly. He is very into Western philosophy, and is very analytical.

So he wants a book that helps him improve his meditation practice, but he also wants to know about the philosophical backgroundd behind the practice, as well as the historical lineage attached to it.

What he DOESN'T want is something that relies on the religious/ritual/"metaphysical" aspects.

I'm currently reading "The Mind Illuminated" and recommended it to him. The problem is that it doesn't contain much of the philosophical and very little of the historical.

I think something in line of 60% practice, 25% philosophy, 15% historical would be nice.

Any recommendation?

Edit: I should add that his main interest is in Buddhism resources.

I would suggest:
The Doctrine of the Buddha: The Religion of Reason and Buddhist Wisdom: The Mystery of the Self 

They are from the same author: George Grimm, where Buddhist Wisdom is a kind of summary of the main work: The Doctrine of the Buddha.
In my opnion,  his explation of the "logic" behind the "doctrine" of the pali canon are of exceedingly clarity and at same time easily digested by an western mind without compromising the canon's fundamental points.

I'm sure that it should appeal the philosophical side of your friend.

Has he read MCTB?

If he wants to learn pure Buddhism devoid of religion & superstition & also a correct succinct explanation, he can read books by Buddhadasa:

Handbook for Mankind (which has all the basics athough a bit 'wordy' for me): 
http://www.buddhanet.net/budasa2.htm

Buddhadhamma for Students (which is succinct): 
http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books5/Buddhadassa_Bhikkhu_Buddha_Dhamma_for_University_Students.pdf

Two Kinds of Language (which is important for undetstandign the language of Buddhism & cutting through superstition): 
http://www.dhammatalks.net/Books5/Bhikkhu_Buddhadasa_Two_Kinds_of_Language.htm

Anatta & Rebirth (which explains self & not-self and the psychological meaning of 'birth' & 'rebirth'): http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries.com/Anatta_and_Rebirth.pdf 

More books here: http://www.dhammatalks.net/

....

No. I've talked about it with him, but I don't think it matches his interest. He doesn't have an enlightenment goal, and I think MCTB is too hardcore on that line for him, at least for now.

Thanks! I had looked at buddhanet and dhammatalks, but since I didn't read any of those, couldn't choose properly. Also, we had a conversation about Rebirth with a common friend, so the one about Anatta & Rebirth looks interesting in itself.

Nice, thanks! The subtitle "Religion of Reason" is a very compelling one. Will take a look at those.