The number of people interested and active in keeping bees at an amateur level has increased greatly over the past few years with a surge of interest from those in both rural and urban situations. This guide, aimed at beginning beekeepers, provides an authoritative text, along with clear photographs and illustrations demonstrating the essential points. The book introduces the reader to beekeeping including the workings of the colony, the structure of a hive, how to acquire bees and keep them healthy and the structure of the beekeeping year. Each chapter is accompanied by anecdotes, answers to frequently asked questions and fascinating facts about bees and honey.

The word that first comes to mind when reading this book is 'comprehensive'. This book contains all the information that you would need to get started in beekeeping and the authors have managed to convey a vast amount of information, complete with many beekeeping tips and techniques, in a concise and helpful way... This is an outstanding book. * The British Bee Journal *
This easy-to-follow guide explains everything a novice beekeeper needs to know... superb photographs enliven every page. * BBC Wildlife *

Ivor Davis is a past president of the British Beekeeping Association, a Master Beekeeper and one of the few people to hold the National Diploma in Beekeping. Roger Cullum-Kenyon has been a beekeeper for more than 30 years.