Reddit mentions of The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the Buddhist Classic with Annotations

You might want to seek clarification on whether he follows Theravada or Mahayana Buddhism. For some it doesn't matter, others feel very strongly.

Your best bet is a copy of The Dhammapada, one of the most read and translated works in Buddhism.

Personally, I really like Gil Fronsdal's translation. It exists in hardback, too.

Hello Brother. I'm Buddhist.

I took my obligations on a copy of the Dhammapada, which is a short book from the overall Buddhist Pali Canon known as the Tripitaka. Generally speaking this is preferred by Southern Buddhists, otherwise known as Theravada. This encompasses those from Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and so on. There is also Mahayana Buddhism, which is generally that of China, Japan, Vietnam and so on. It also includes the Himalayan Buddhism of Tibet and Nepal, which is called Vajrayana.

You can get copies of the entire Tripitaka but it is several hundred volumes and requires a set of shelves!

As a suggestion I would ask the Brother what "type" of Buddhist he is. If he is Theravada, then a hard copy English translation of the Dhammapada would be very good. There are many available. this one looks to be quite good http://www.amazon.com/Dhammapada-Translation-Buddhist-Classic-Annotations/dp/1590302117/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413637468&sr=1-1&keywords=dhammapada

If the Brother is Mahayana or Vajrayana then I would suggest the Lotus Sutra or Heart Sutra. These are later texts that are held to be very holy by Japanese and Chinese Buddhists.

I am very happy to provide any further help you require.