beekeeping beginners book for Christmas

[Cuckmere couple]

friend of mine wants to buy one for his sister

Any recommendations for good starter books?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Bees at the bottom of the garden.
A nice gentle intro
Bees at the Bottom of the Garden (Revised) Bees at the Bottom of the Garden (Revised): Amazon.co.uk: Alan Campion, Gay Hodgson: 8601200432190: Books

 

[blackcloud]

Haynes

 

[pargyle]

Bees at the bottom of the garden.
A nice gentle intro
Bees at the Bottom of the Garden (Revised) Bees at the Bottom of the Garden (Revised): Amazon.co.uk: Alan Campion, Gay Hodgson: 8601200432190: Books

I'd second that ... for a readable introduction for a non-beekeeper into the black art it;'s a really good book ... certainly got me hooked. Once they decide they really want to become a beekeeper Haynes is a good starter book.

 

[DocMartin]

I agree. My wife and I are now going into our first winter as beekeepers. The Haynes Manual is a great start. If they want to take it further then there are excellent videos on You Tube and the like. Norfolk Honey Company and Black Mountain Honey but to mention a couple

 

[BoothBees]

Haynes

I'd second this. I've really enjoyed the Haynes manual, as a complete beginner.

 

[blackcloud]

I'd second this. I've really enjoyed the Haynes manual, as a complete beginner.

There's also one on teenagers which was quite useful

 

[Garry R]

Rather old book. Principles of Practical Beekeeping by Robert Couston. Loads of black and white photos but good sound advice although dated. Things have changed so much in a short time in beekeeping not always for the best but it's still keeping insects in a box!

 

[Pembroke]

Along with the Haynes manual my association also recommends this book to our beginners.

Amazon.co.uk

Not too in depth, but also not too daunting for an absolute beginner.

 

[peterbees]

Along with the Haynes manual my association also recommends this book to our beginners.

Amazon.co.uk

Not too in depth, but also not too daunting for an absolute beginner.

I agree. Pam Gregory was a great beekeeper and Regional Bee Inspector for Wales. Sadly missed. (She did my Basic Assessment).

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Both Pam and Claire were staunch supporters of Bees Abroad (amongst the founders actually), had the good fortune of meeting both - Claire still turns up for our occasional get togethers.
Pam wrote the manuals we still use (translated into numerous languages) at Bees Abroad - she gifted the printing rights to them to Bees Abroad and they are now free for anyone to download off our website.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

There's also one on teenagers which was quite useful

That's a master's degree subject.

 

[Hedgerow Honey]

I know that there is at least one book heading for my Christmas stocking, the postman handed me a northern bee book package.
Something on the subject of queens would be nice.
On another note, my two favourites are, honey by the ton & John Rawson's book.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

On another note, my two favourites are, honey by the ton

I have two first editions - one review copy from the publisher, and one signed by the author

 

[Minxpinx]

I’ve made a beekeeper’s record book which is perfect for beginners. It has places to record everything! I made it after years of teaching beginners and finding that people forget to write things down that they’ll find helpful to look back on.

 

[Rob H]

I agree. My wife and I are now going into our first winter as beekeepers. The Haynes Manual is a great start. If they want to take it further then there are excellent videos on You Tube and the like. Norfolk Honey Company and Black Mountain Honey but to mention a couple

Id have to agree with all three choices here, as a newbie and spending a lot of time away recently I made the most of Youtube and BMH and NHC ended up as my 2 go to sites.

 

[SixFooter]

I’ve made a beekeeper’s record book which is perfect for beginners. It has places to record everything! I made it after years of teaching beginners and finding that people forget to write things down that they’ll find helpful to look back on.

I thought advertising was against the forum rules

 

[Erichalfbee]

I thought advertising was against the forum rules

It is so I’ve removed the link
Sorry, missed it earlier.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

thanks all

really helpful links

 

[rolande]

John Rawson's book.

An interesting book but I can't help but think that it could have been so much better with some stricter editing.