This book is a must for anyone seriously interested in learning about plants and their relation to the other living kingdoms. It is richly illustrated and covers material clearly and in-depth. I have used the first edition for over eight years as 1) a good read and 2) a reference that continues to inform me as a serious gardener as well as an educated layman. The book emphasizes the evolutionary adaptative aspects of plants to their environment. Starting from the basics of chemistry, it covers plant anatomy, physiology, genetics, and taxonomy. It is a wonderful resource.