a good book for a potential beekeeper?

[salome2001]

DH is thinking about getting bees on our allotment (allowed) . I would like to get a book to read over first for Christmas, can you experienced keepers recommend one that has good reliable information at a beginner level?

Many thanks, salome

[pauco]

Hi Salome, have you tried having a look on Amazon?? Some very good books on there.


paul.

[salome2001]

I plan to head there... but having bought a number of books on allotments- some very good and some dreadful- I am asking for recommendations so I can get something good, and not rubbish!

[Kleftiwallah]

In our local rag (Melksham Wiltshire) they are advertising a course early next year on beekeeping. Possibly they are doing the same in your neck of the woods. Or if you fancy an occasional day out, call 01380 813207. Cheers, Tony.

[Alison]

We were thinking of getting bees but not so sure now. A friend of mine recomended the National Trust guide which OH said was quite good although I've never gotten round to reading it properly. Also worth contacting your local association as they'll be able to advise best.

[veggiechicken]

When we had bees we were recommended to use "Guide to Bees and Honey" by Ted Hooper. We also used "The Beekeepers Manual" by L A Stephens-Potter. They may not be in print now but we used to refer to them frequently.

[salome2001]

Tony, not quite sure what your post means- are you offering a day out to have a gander at your bees???

[drumgerry]

Hooper's Guide to Bees and Honey is really the bible for beginning and no so beginning beekeepers. Ron Brown's Seasonal Guide is great too. Beyond the beginner (although not too far beyond that you wouldn't be able to understand it) is Sims 60 Years With Bees and Manley's Honey Farming.

With that little lot you'd be well set!

Cheers, Gerry

[LauraS]

I agree, Ted Hooper's book is the best for a beginner. I also really like Wedmore's 'A Manual of Beekeeping' (published by Arnold, 1932, second edition 1945) but it's hard to come by. I've only ever seen the copy that I own!

I used to keep bees, but was wiped out by American foul brood in 1988. I didn't re-stock as the place I was living in wasn't really suitable. It was so windy the bees often couldn't get back into the hives and died outside.

Some day I'll have bees again, I miss the smell of them!

[hailtryfan]

Ted Hoopers book is very good as a general reference guide. I bought Get Started In Beekeeping: Teach Yourself: Amazon.co.uk: Adrian Waring, Claire Waring: Books and found it an excellent introduction, to the point and easily slipped into your back pocket.