Achieving a solid beekeeping education and developing a research plan are some of the most necessary and important steps when you begin beekeeping. While there are several ways to aid your acquisition of beekeeping knowledge, books provide detailed guidance, information and help on all things beekeeping to those new and experienced alike.
Below we list and discuss some of the most highly recommended and bestselling beekeeping books up to date. They have been written by highly revered experts in the field of beekeeping and provide amazing insight to their readers.
Find them conveniently listed in our categories of the best beekeeping books for beginners; the best beekeeping books for experienced beekeepers; and the best beekeeping books for creatives.
The Best Beekeeping Books for Beginners
- The Beekeeper’s Handbook 5th edition written by Alphonse Avitabile and Diana Sammataro
Initially published in 1978 and revised for the fifth time in 2021, this beekeeping book is highly recommended to first time beekeepers. The book is comprised of “fun facts”, detailed illustrations, a glossary of useful terms and heaps of useful information covering everything from beekeeping equipment to pest control. There are step-by-step instructions for beginners and advanced topics like queen rearing are covered for more experienced keepers. This book is an excellent first purchase for your beekeeping library.
Click here to purchase this book.
- The Backyard Beekeeper, 4th edition: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard or Garden written by Kim Flottum
Initially published in 2005 and revised for the fourth time in 2018, The Backyard Beekeeper is another highly recommended beekeeping book for beginners. The book begins with the history of beekeeping and its colour coded paragraphs guide the reader through the process of starting their beekeeping journey, from choosing equipment to harvesting honey and even making beeswax projects.
This book’s main attraction is its details on how to bee keep with very limited space, including information on how to protect your neighbours. Not as extensive as The Beekeeper’s Handbook in terms of its glossary and resources, it is a huge benefit to the urban beekeeper.
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- Beekeeping for dummies 5th edition written by Howland Blackiston
Like other books in the “for dummies” series, this book has a straightforward, easy to read layout and makes it easy to find the specific information you seek. This best seller discusses different types of hives; contains a section to explain how to distinguish between honeybees and other stinging creatures; highlights tips and warnings for beginners; and provides a record keeping checklist. Educational, while keeping things light-hearted and fun.
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The Best Beekeeping Books for Experienced Beekeepers
- Beekeeper’s Problem Solver (100 Common Problems Explored and Explained) written by James E. Tew
This book is not designed to take the reader through the early stages of beekeeping. Instead, it describes problems you may encounter and explains probable causes of these issues and provides possible solutions. This book is easy to navigate as the issues are conveniently listed in the table of contents. The solutions are short and concise. This a helpful book for the advanced beekeeper.
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- Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping written by Dewey M. Caron Lawrence John Connor
This book, right off the bat, is one of the more expensive beekeeping books and not a book for a mere hobbyist. This book is basically a textbook written for a college or university course. It is an excellent reference addition to any beekeeper’s library and includes charts, illustrations, and colour photographs to assist the reader.
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- The Practical Beekeeper written by Michael Bush
A three-book series is comprised of: Volume 1 – Beginning Beekeeping Naturally; Volume 2 – Intermediate Beekeeping Naturally; Volume 3 – Advanced Beekeeping Naturally. The books contain information relevant to the specific category of beekeeper while providing helpful suggestions, challenging ‘generally accepted’ beekeeping concepts and provides proposals on how beekeepers can lighten their workloads. It is an excellent book on beekeeping techniques and would be beneficial to an experienced keeper.
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Best Beekeeping Books for Creatives
- Beeswax Alchemy (How to make your own candles, soap, balms, salves, and home décor from the hive) written by Petra Ahnert AND
- Beehive Alchemy (Projects and recipes using honey, beeswax, propolis and pollen to make soap, candles, creams, salves and more) written by Petra Ahnert
These titles give good descriptions of what you’ll find in these books. They give the readers some exciting ideas of what to do with beekeeping by-products, like beeswax, that can be collected from the hives. From candle making to soap making, these books are highly recommended to those who fancy themselves a fun little art project.
You can click here to purchase Beeswax Alchemy and click here to purchase Beehive Alchemy.
- Keeping Bees in Horizontal Hives (A Complete Guide to Apiculture) written by Georges de Layens and Gaston Bonniers
Learn natural beekeeping from Europe’s foremost beekeeping authority. This beekeeping book was written long ago (in 1897!) but has freshly been translated (2017) from French into English. This book proposes that beekeepers stray from the traditional Langstroth hive and instead to focus on horizontal hives. This is because horizontal hives are a more natural and sustainable beekeeping method that requires less work and intervention from the keeper. This book is perfect for someone looking to try something different!
You can click here to purchase this book.
To summarise…
Beekeeping books are an excellent source of guidance and information to beekeepers who are just starting out or to advance beekeepers who have been practicing the craft for years. These books are also excellent sources of creative knowledge for those looking to do more than just bee keep. Books offer proposals, ideas, solutions, and guidance.
We highly recommend that you check out the nine books listed above! Ranked the best of the best in 2022, they will be valuable items in any beekeeper’s library.
