Compiling over 40 years of my dad’s research

I’d like to compile my father’s decades of research into one or several books (both print and digital) to give him as a gift. He’s been a researcher and professor for almost 40 years now, and he’s getting older. I want to honor his mind while he’s still here to appreciate it. It’s also something I’d like to preserve for future generations.

The problem is, I’m not sure how to go about this without him knowing. Are there any services or websites that specialize in creating books from academic work or large collections of documents?

Also, is this the kind of gift you would enjoy receiving yourself? If so, what would your ideal version of such a book look like?