Book Review - Nov 2024
If there was ever a need for a book that delves into the ethics of modern-day beekeeping practices, it is now! Initially I found myself sceptical about the £45 price tag of “The Observant Beekeeper.” However, once I held the 400-page volume in my hands, and began to flip through its pages, my doubts soon faded. The books weight and quality were evident, clearly reflecting the extensive thought and research that went into its creation, and easily justifying its cost.
The opening line of Chapter 1 is particularly striking: “The big secret of beekeeping is that bees survive fine in the wild, unmanaged by humans.” This powerful statement sets the tone for the book and serves as a timely reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature. One key message comes from this book: it encourages readers to slow down, observe and evaluate rather rushing in and unnecessarily disturbing the bees with intrusive manipulations.
What really struck me about this book was it’s refreshing writing style. The author does a fantastic job of making complex ideas accessible, thanks to the inclusion of diagrams, images, and real-life examples spread-out throughout the text. These elements make it so much easier to visualize the concepts and practices discussed.
Another feature I found particularly helpful is the inclusion of the review sections at the end of many of the chapters. These sections encourage you to reflect on what you've just read or to make personal notes. I thought this was a very novel idea, a great way to ensure that the information really sticks and that readers can actively engage with the content.
I must also commend the attention to detail throughout the book. There are number of books out there covering in part, similar topics, but it’s hard to find one that packs so much information into a single volume. For instance, I learned something new about propolis: it’s semi-permeable! I had always wondered if it would promote condensation inside the hives, but apparently it absorbs water vapor and resists droplets. Who knew?
The author, who is the founder of the Oxfordshire Natural Beekeeping Group, lives in a region abundant with free-living colonies and treatment-free beekeepers. His extensive experience and thorough research are a contributing factor into putting this book together. It features nearly 500 footnotes, comprising both anecdotal observations and citations from scientific studies that help support the information presented.
I think it will be difficult to find a book on this subject that encompasses such a wealth of valuable information. "The Observant Beekeeper" promises to be an indispensable reference manual for years to come, making it a must-have addition to the bookshelf of all beekeepers who want to explore a deeper and more respectful connection with our honeybees.
Simon Kellam
The Natural Beekeeping Trust
The Observant Beekeeper: A Practical Manual
Treatment free, low intervention
by Paul Honigmann
Northern Bee Books (1st ed. 2024) Paperback, 404 pages, £45
Available here https://www.northernbeebooks.co.uk/products/the-observant-beekeeper-a-practical-manual-paul-honigmann/
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