The number of people interested and active in keeping bees has increased greatly over the past few years. Membership of the BBKA, the main association for amateur beekeepers (those with less than 40 hives) has grown by 65 per cent over the past couple of years. This guide, aimed at beginning beekeepers, provides an authoritative text, along with clear photographs and illustrations demonstrating the essential points. The book introduces the reader to beekeeping including the workings of the colony, the structure of a hive, how to acquire bees and keep them healthy and the structure of the beekeeping year. Each chapter is accompanied by anecdotes, answers to frequently asked questions and fascinating facts about bees and honey.