latex style files

I am
looking for a nice LaTeX-book style file. So far, I like the
thesis package which has a more European-feel than the AMS-book
package. But surely there are other excellent packages I haven't
tested yet. Please drop a comment (if possible with a link). Also, if
you know of extra features which should be included in our
'house-style-file' or know of CTAN-packages which may be handy,
tell me! Thanks!