Best beginer book ?

[Bcrazy]

For once I agree with Hedgerow Pete these selection of books cover the whole spectrum of beekeeping but remember they were written a few years ago.

 

[darrenperrett]

For once I agree with Hedgerow Pete these selection of books cover the whole spectrum of beekeeping but remember they were written a few years ago.

I`ve got the Yates books for Modules 1 to 4 and the one for the basic beekeeping exam. They`re probably a bit heavy going for a total beginner though.

Darren.

 

[Richard Bache]

I'd say Hooper and De Buyn are both pretty good. Wedmore is a classic, but I don't think its one for the beginner. I agree that the new Collins one looks good, but I haven't read much of it yet, so I cannot advise on content. I think the problem with Hooper is that many of the editions were fairly light on Varroa (although I understand a posthumous edition is on its way) and so I would recommend any beginner to also make sure they have a copy of the FERA booklet on Varroa (although the others are very good as well).

 

[madasafish]

I've just bought Cooper Edition 10 - up to date on varroa..

It's a very useful book...

 

[Moonglow]

Our local beekeepers association has a great library of books covering all aspects
I am not sure if this is normal for most associations ,but it is definitly a good place to start before you spend any money
I have quite often read a book recommended and than decided to add it to my collection for future reference, including the beekeeper study notes,I have heard through the grapevine that this is due for a review update ,but have not found anything published about that, so I am still waiting before I order my copy.

 

[davethegas]

I have cramps practical manual, good read, shame dave cushman not got book out. My local 2nd hand bookshop has 7~8 enquiries a week, for bee books so all is looking good.

 

[Poly Hive]

Over all Hooper is probably the best one for the money.

If I was asked to pick one out of my library for a beginner from some 100 it is the one I would choose.

PH

 

[peterbees]

I'd recommend William Hamilton's Art of Beekeeping and any of Manley's books. I read them avidly when I started 33 years ago, and still enjoy them.

 

[OXFORDBEE]

The last book Manley wrote "Beekeeping in Britain" is dated but a very good read, especially the chapter Prospects...

 

[Queens59]

I trained (not that long ago) as a teacher of basic skills...the 3R's for people with Dyslexia, dyspraxia and other learning diffs. We found that students found the fragmented Dummies series books to be very easy to read - and understand. Even the 'silly' pictures they used in some helped explain text that was difficult. So maybe not for many but for others a Godsend

 

[Monsieur Abeille]

Just to add to the list for beginners, the first one I read was Beekeeping by Andrew Davies

[ame]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bee-Keeping-Inspiration-Practical-Smallholders/dp/1843404184/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281016452&sr=8-2[/ame]

A good primer to give an overall idea and very easy to read. I now refer to Hooper and Bees at Bottom of Garden much more but occasionally dip back into it.

The Collins one looks good, one for the Christmas list methinks.

 

[thedeaddiplomat]

Can't resist the observation that the replies on this thread say it all...

There is NO single best beginner book - depends on the beginner, and what they find comfortable reading. The real answer is to read as many different ones as you have time/money for! Certainly all of those I have read have had slightly different insights. And none has been a waste of time.

 

[justme]

before i had even ordered my bees i got david cramps practical manual of beekeeping from the library. Wow, it really opened my eyes to how brilliant honey bees are, how incredibly interesting beekeeping would be and gave me a much bigger view of what can be acheived than many of the beeks i know have. Not a substitute for going on a course, attending meetings etc tho'. Hoopers also great:.)

 

[Poly Hive]

Sorry to say this but the Beekeeping for dummies book is the with out exception the WORST beekeeping book I have read. Completely useless with regard to the UK

I lay honest claim to reading over 150 bee books+ I own some 70+

Dummies is just not suited to the UK. And in general is poor.

PH

 

[beekeepingcentre]

Can't resist the observation that the replies on this thread say it all...

There is NO single best beginner book - depends on the beginner, and what they find comfortable reading. The real answer is to read as many different ones as you have time/money for! Certainly all of those I have read have had slightly different insights. And none has been a waste of time.

Totally agree The secret is to try and read as many as possible and compare the knowledge you find in them.

The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum is a pretty good book (ranked fairly highly in Amazon as well). If you're a little more specialist then you can't go too far wrong with Natural Beekeeping by Ross Conrad and Gary Paul Nabhan. There are also plenty of places online that will send you lessons on beekeeping for free. Obviously not quite as useful as having your own reference guide on hand, but can be quite handy to start with

 

[Brosville]

all we need, spamming from a total ignoramus, who has produced a frankly laughably pathetic "course" - should be publicly horsewhipped!
Tosser! (if the prime minister can use the word.....)

 

[Hivemaker.]

Hi
I have stated a bit of a blog site on beekeeping. There is a great book for beginners called Discover Beekeeping 101 which has all the advice and knowledge you need to get started in this wonderful hobby.


Hope this helps

Eddie

What you after,spammer of the month prize....five posts..five spam sandwiches.

 

[Queens59]

Sorry to say this but the Beekeeping for dummies book is the with out exception the WORST beekeeping book I have read. Completely useless with regard to the UK

I lay honest claim to reading over 150 bee books+ I own some 70+

Dummies is just not suited to the UK. And in general is poor.

PH

Sorry PH - I stick by my message...for SOME people Dummies books are ideal...for others hell on earth. Not everyone has the same levels of literacy and understanding of text and Dummies are 'I think' aimed at these.