Starting with Bees Paperback – 1 May 2004

I bought this book when I was considering keeping bees & knew absolutely nothing whatsoever about the subject, not even the principle of a hive. I found it well structured with good explanations, diagrams & photographs & I understood everything as I went along. (I realised afterwards that it was edited by Katie Thear who, in my opinion, does some of the best poultry books.) Having since read a couple of other larger & more detailed books on the subject, such as Ted Hooper, I'm sure that I would have been somewhat confused if that's what I had started with. This book assumes no prior knowledge, introduces the subject in a logical order & goes into quite a lot of detail withoug getting too technical & offputting. I have loaned it to a couple of people who have no wish to keep bees but are interested in the subject & also to someone who is on my beekeeping course & was finding it hard to follow. They have also found it very comprehensive. If you're not sure about beekeeping, read this book first & you will have a pretty good idea whether it's for you or not.

Always easy to read about nature ---- and bees in particular ---- coming from an Apiarist, I'm obviously highly prejudiced !!!!

Good book but the wife stopped me from getting any bees :(

Book arrived in good nick and time. Thanks.

Good solid advice about keeping bees.

Very Informative. cool.

bees survived after using book

There are many good books on beekeeping but for the complete beginner there's nothing to beat this book. It does not assume prior knowledge and explains everything clearly. I particularly liked the illustrated detail such as 'how to read a comb'. In fact the book is so well illustrated and easy to read that it's the one I recommend to my students.