The Darwin family was instrumental in the history of botany. For Erasmus (1731-1802), it was a hobby, for Charles (1809-1882) an inspiration, and for Francis (1848-1925), a profession. Their experiences illustrate the growing specialization and professionalization of science throughout the nineteenth century. Ayres shows how botany escaped the burdens of medicine, feminization and the sterility of classification and nomenclature to become a rigorous laboratory science.

"'Ayres has a fine understanding of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century plant science, especially in Britain. He gives due attention to the rich interactions and personalities of no less than five generations of Darwins.'"

Vassiliki Betty Smocovitis

"'This is the perfect book for every botanist to read and digest ... in fact it should be required reading for all biologists.'"

Marshall D Sundberg

"'The Aliveness of Plants offers an engaging discussion of issues in the past and current history of plant physiology. Throughout, Ayres's emphasis on biography makes the history a human story of individuals, jealousies, and misunderstandings, as well as of friendships and the networks through which ideas and projects circulated.'"

Ann Shteir

'Ayres comprehensively sums up the achievements of Darwinian plant science, successfully recreates the atmosphere of the times and assesses the personal strengths and frailties of each of the leading characters. All this is beautifully intertwined and placed in an enveloping framework of social and institutional change...The book is highly recommended.'

Mike Jackson