"In the selection and arrangement of the material he [Francis Darwin] was chiefly guided by a wish to portray his father's personal character, and he succeeded...in giving a true picture of the man and the student, the methods of Darwin's work and the gradual development of his opinions." -The Times (1925) The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, Volume I (1896) is a compilation of letters written by Darwin, as well as an autobiographical chapter intended less for publication and more to inform his children and grandchildren. The first biography of Darwin, it was edited by his son, Francis Darwin and was touted as "one of the best biographies ever written" by The Times in 1925. This glimpse into Darwin's early years as a naturalist and his family life is a must read for all who love science and history.