The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting

by Eva Crane

First published in 2000. This comprehensive book represents the first attempt to write a world history of people's use of social how bees' nests were initially hunted for their honey and wax and, later, how the bees were kept in purpose-made hives. Evidence survives from early times in the form of artefacts, pictures and written records, and also human traditions of dealing with bees. Since 1949 the author has had opportunities to travel in over sixty countries, and to see traditional and modern hive beekeeping and also honey collection from nests. She learned much that helped her to piece together some of the long history in the different continents.

Genres: Nonfiction, Food

704 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 1999

Reviews

[The Phantom Of The Apiary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best beekeeping resources I have ever read. It ranks at the very top if not the number one spot as "must read" for beekeepers.

[Jane Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did it! I read the whole thing! (There's about a hundred pages of bibliography and indexes-didn't read that.) You can now ask me anything about the history of beekeeping... and I can tell you if it's in the book. I learned a lot of fascinating things and feel much more empowered to do my own thing as a hobby beekeeper. Also! The legend of Langstroth is somewhat skewed in contemporary folk hero beekeeper legend, so the chapters on rational hives and patents were super interesting! Sigh, to one day be able to justify buying this book.