MR, Don't know the book, but I have a couple that are genera-specific, talking about the pioneers in breeding daylilies and irises. Both are interesting reads.
I just finished writing a book on beardless irises and in each chapter I traced the development of the garden hybrids. The people that started breeding in each group obviously had a great vision as to the potential of these plants. It would be so cool for these pioneers to come back today and see where the breeding has taken them. I am fortunate to have been one of those pioneers in semps and hosta and to have seen things change in my 50 years of working with them. Hostas have gone from nobodies to the most popular perennial!
Kevin
