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Bees and Their Keepers
Beekeeper and garden historian Lotte Möller explores the activities inside and outside the hive while charting the bees’ natural order and habits. With a light touch she uses her encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject to shed light on humanity’s understanding of bees and bee lore from antiquity to the present. A humorous debunking of the myths that have held for centuries is matched by a wry exploration of how and when they were replaced by fact.
In her travels Möller encounters a trigger-happy Californian beekeeper raging against both killer bees and bee politics, warring beekeepers on the Danish island of Læso, and Brother Adam of Buckfast Abbey, breeder of the Buckfast queen now popular throughout Europe and beyond, as well a host of others as passionate as she about the complex world of apiculture both past and present.
In her travels Möller encounters a trigger-happy Californian beekeeper raging against both killer bees and bee politics, warring beekeepers on the Danish island of Læso, and Brother Adam of Buckfast Abbey, breeder of the Buckfast queen now popular throughout Europe and beyond, as well a host of others as passionate as she about the complex world of apiculture both past and present.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2019
28 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
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December 24, 2022
Lotte Möller became a beekeeper in the 1980's. Not as a career; she was a freelance contributor to radio programmes and after doing one on beekeepers she became interested. She kept at it for about ten years, learning the ins and outs of bees, beekeeping, and the politics of beekeepers associations. Then, as she began spending more time commuting and her home became more urban and, you know, she got older, she stopped. But then, she found, she missed it. Writing a book about it was a way to keep in touch with the world of bees and the people whose company they keep.
The first part is divided into 12 chapters, one for each month of the year, but that is really just a jumping off point from which she riffs on all the many centuries of human experience at keeping bees. Renaissance, medieval, and ancient writers alike had much to say about bees and how to keep them, and in many cases they illustrated them in whatever style of art was current. Möller shows us many of these illustrations, and I have to say that the book itself was a delight, not only the words it contained. Part two concerns the present (and by implication the possible future), some trends worrisome and some more encouraging. It concludes with a list of "Bee museums around the world". Sadly, none of the ones listed for the U.S. are within easy driving distance, but then there are plenty of bees in town if I wanted to go have a look.
I grew up on a patch of land which contained several acres of peach trees, and in order to make sure that they were pollinated, a local beekeeper was invited to put some hives nearby. I would, from time to time, stand nearby them in the spring or early summer, and watch them busily fly in and out. I only recall being stung once, when an unfortunate (and apparently uncoordinated) bee flew into me instead of around me like all the rest. I didn't take it too personally, as the bee itself was far worse for it than I, but I did stand a bit further off after that.
This is not the sort of book that has a real plot, nor the sort that gives a call to action. In a way, it was satisfying in the same way that standing there and watching the bees come and go was. Meditative, almost. I read a chapter a night for a few weeks, in bed, just before going to sleep. Reading about (and seeing pictures of) how the grand sweep of time has changed, and not changed, the life of Apis mellifera, the honey-bearing bee, puts the concerns and upsets of the day in perspective, and (for me at least) leads to a calm and quiet rest.
The first part is divided into 12 chapters, one for each month of the year, but that is really just a jumping off point from which she riffs on all the many centuries of human experience at keeping bees. Renaissance, medieval, and ancient writers alike had much to say about bees and how to keep them, and in many cases they illustrated them in whatever style of art was current. Möller shows us many of these illustrations, and I have to say that the book itself was a delight, not only the words it contained. Part two concerns the present (and by implication the possible future), some trends worrisome and some more encouraging. It concludes with a list of "Bee museums around the world". Sadly, none of the ones listed for the U.S. are within easy driving distance, but then there are plenty of bees in town if I wanted to go have a look.
I grew up on a patch of land which contained several acres of peach trees, and in order to make sure that they were pollinated, a local beekeeper was invited to put some hives nearby. I would, from time to time, stand nearby them in the spring or early summer, and watch them busily fly in and out. I only recall being stung once, when an unfortunate (and apparently uncoordinated) bee flew into me instead of around me like all the rest. I didn't take it too personally, as the bee itself was far worse for it than I, but I did stand a bit further off after that.
This is not the sort of book that has a real plot, nor the sort that gives a call to action. In a way, it was satisfying in the same way that standing there and watching the bees come and go was. Meditative, almost. I read a chapter a night for a few weeks, in bed, just before going to sleep. Reading about (and seeing pictures of) how the grand sweep of time has changed, and not changed, the life of Apis mellifera, the honey-bearing bee, puts the concerns and upsets of the day in perspective, and (for me at least) leads to a calm and quiet rest.
March 25, 2022
4.5 🐝
Moi drodzy czytelnicy, wszem i wobec ogłaszam, że znalazłam już swojego pierwszego faworyta do najlepszych książek tego roku. Nie sądziłam, że „O pszczołach i ludziach” Lotte Möller (w bezbłędnym i przyjemnym tłumaczeniu @szwecjoblog) tak zawładnie moim czytelniczym światem w jeden weekend. Dzisiaj będą same ochy i achy. Gotowi? No to bzyk.
Co pierwsze rzuca się w oczy to przepiękne i nadzwyczaj staranne wydanie książki. Twarda oprawa i cały rój adekwatnych do danego rozdziału ilustracji, kolorowych zdjęć i rysunków. Od szkiców ukochanego Kubusia Puchatka, po pomysłowa okładkę nut „Never let the same bee sting you twice”.
Sama treść książki w żadnym stopniu nie odstaje od jej wyjątkowego wyglądu. Znajdziemy w niej ogrom informacji, które dla mnie jako pszczółkowego laika były po prostu interesujące i sprawiły, że odczułam jeszcze większy szacunek do tych pracowitych istot. Autorka nawiązuje między innymi do dobrze nam znanej Mai Lunde i jej „Historii pszczół” czy filmu „Rój”. Oceniając całokształt książki najbardziej doceniam tą wypośrodkowaną ilość wiedzy. Czuję się usatysfakcjonowana lekturą i wiele z niej wyniosłam, a jednocześnie nie czułam się przytłoczona nadmiarem informacji.
Moi drodzy czytelnicy, wszem i wobec ogłaszam, że znalazłam już swojego pierwszego faworyta do najlepszych książek tego roku. Nie sądziłam, że „O pszczołach i ludziach” Lotte Möller (w bezbłędnym i przyjemnym tłumaczeniu @szwecjoblog) tak zawładnie moim czytelniczym światem w jeden weekend. Dzisiaj będą same ochy i achy. Gotowi? No to bzyk.
Co pierwsze rzuca się w oczy to przepiękne i nadzwyczaj staranne wydanie książki. Twarda oprawa i cały rój adekwatnych do danego rozdziału ilustracji, kolorowych zdjęć i rysunków. Od szkiców ukochanego Kubusia Puchatka, po pomysłowa okładkę nut „Never let the same bee sting you twice”.
Sama treść książki w żadnym stopniu nie odstaje od jej wyjątkowego wyglądu. Znajdziemy w niej ogrom informacji, które dla mnie jako pszczółkowego laika były po prostu interesujące i sprawiły, że odczułam jeszcze większy szacunek do tych pracowitych istot. Autorka nawiązuje między innymi do dobrze nam znanej Mai Lunde i jej „Historii pszczół” czy filmu „Rój”. Oceniając całokształt książki najbardziej doceniam tą wypośrodkowaną ilość wiedzy. Czuję się usatysfakcjonowana lekturą i wiele z niej wyniosłam, a jednocześnie nie czułam się przytłoczona nadmiarem informacji.
April 17, 2022
Myślę, że to może być dobra książka na prezent dla osób które kochają pszczoły albo nawet mają własna pasiekę. Jest przepięknie wydania, w środku ma pełno zdjęć, a podział rozdziałów na poszczególne miesiące również bardzo mi się spodobał.
Niestety, miałam nadzieję że o samych pszczołach i produkcji miodu dowiem się trochę więcej. Zdecydowanie za dużo było tutaj dygresji z prywatnego życia autorki. Może niektórym spodoba się, że podzieliła się z czytelnikami swoimi wrażeniami z posiadania roju i spotkań z ludźmi o podobnych zainteresowaniach ale ja jednak jestem osobą która pragnie wiedzy.
Zdecydowanym plusem jest sama końcówka książki w której dowiadujemy się tego jak współcześnie produkowany jest miód i jakie zagrożenia ekologiczne czekają na nas w tym obszarze.
Podsumowując - fajnie, ale chciałam więcej.
Niestety, miałam nadzieję że o samych pszczołach i produkcji miodu dowiem się trochę więcej. Zdecydowanie za dużo było tutaj dygresji z prywatnego życia autorki. Może niektórym spodoba się, że podzieliła się z czytelnikami swoimi wrażeniami z posiadania roju i spotkań z ludźmi o podobnych zainteresowaniach ale ja jednak jestem osobą która pragnie wiedzy.
Zdecydowanym plusem jest sama końcówka książki w której dowiadujemy się tego jak współcześnie produkowany jest miód i jakie zagrożenia ekologiczne czekają na nas w tym obszarze.
Podsumowując - fajnie, ale chciałam więcej.
September 7, 2021
A fun little book about bees and the (surprisingly varied) philosophies of bee keeping. Focuses on the Swedish and European perspective, and I wonder how much more talk of factory farming and the impact of industrial pollination there would have been in a similar book written in the US (her chapter on her experiences with an American beekeeper is fascinating for the sense of two very different world views colliding). The chapters on the history of beekeeping (and related myths such as banging pots for swarms) and the modern bee keeping conference and symposia were most interesting to me, but there is a lot her to keep any curious person interested.
October 7, 2021
This was a fascinating little audiobook. It reads like a collection of essays on beekeeping, focused mainly on beekeeping in Europe (particularly Sweden, where the author is from). I found the entire book fascinating, but especially the final chapter about the controversy of "natural" beekeeping versus standard beekeeping. Recommended for anyone with an interest in the subject.
**Thank you to Netgalley for the audio-arc**
**Thank you to Netgalley for the audio-arc**
July 31, 2021
This book was so cute, and so warm, while also offering a really great insight into a activity that not many people realise is so storied and so divided! Tak!
November 30, 2022
Sensem pszczół są pszczoły.
To tak jak z życiem. Jego sensem jest życie.
Carl Magnus von Seth Bi-dur
Książka nie jest ani kompendium wiedzy o hodowaniu pszczół ani pszczelą encyklopedią. Stanowi raczej zbiór luźnych, pięknie ilustrowanych felietonów dotyczących życia pszczół, a także ich obecności w kulturze i sztuce, historii, religii, czy wreszcie w życiu codziennym ludzi, z podziałem na 12 miesięcy, gdzie każdy miesiąc to inna tematyka. Opowiada o pszczelarzach i ich relacjach z owadami, jest pełna wspomnień autorki oraz anegdotek (choć niestety pszczoły nie doszły do głosu ;)). Całościowo stanowi raczej preludium do tematu, ale nie w negatywnym znaczeniu - po lekturze jestem ciekawa innej okołopszczelej literatury i planuję małe roślinne zakupy - oczywiście przyjazne pszczołom.
Niestety choć książka jest pięknie wydana, mam też pewien niedosyt - w tym pięknym wydaniu pojawiło się kilka literówek, które dla mnie bardzo psują odbiór. Ponadto świetnym zabiegiem byłoby stworzenie na końcu książki małego słowniczka z pszczelimi terminami - złapałam się na tym, że gdy pod koniec książki powtórzone było jakieś specjalistyczne określenie, nie pamiętałam jego znaczenia. W kontekście treści, miałam również poczucie, że mało uwagi poświęcono masowemu ginięciu pszczół, czyli najważniejszego tematowi dzisiejszych czasów.
To tak jak z życiem. Jego sensem jest życie.
Carl Magnus von Seth Bi-dur
Książka nie jest ani kompendium wiedzy o hodowaniu pszczół ani pszczelą encyklopedią. Stanowi raczej zbiór luźnych, pięknie ilustrowanych felietonów dotyczących życia pszczół, a także ich obecności w kulturze i sztuce, historii, religii, czy wreszcie w życiu codziennym ludzi, z podziałem na 12 miesięcy, gdzie każdy miesiąc to inna tematyka. Opowiada o pszczelarzach i ich relacjach z owadami, jest pełna wspomnień autorki oraz anegdotek (choć niestety pszczoły nie doszły do głosu ;)). Całościowo stanowi raczej preludium do tematu, ale nie w negatywnym znaczeniu - po lekturze jestem ciekawa innej okołopszczelej literatury i planuję małe roślinne zakupy - oczywiście przyjazne pszczołom.
Niestety choć książka jest pięknie wydana, mam też pewien niedosyt - w tym pięknym wydaniu pojawiło się kilka literówek, które dla mnie bardzo psują odbiór. Ponadto świetnym zabiegiem byłoby stworzenie na końcu książki małego słowniczka z pszczelimi terminami - złapałam się na tym, że gdy pod koniec książki powtórzone było jakieś specjalistyczne określenie, nie pamiętałam jego znaczenia. W kontekście treści, miałam również poczucie, że mało uwagi poświęcono masowemu ginięciu pszczół, czyli najważniejszego tematowi dzisiejszych czasów.
September 12, 2025
I thought this would be more fun to read. Very historical.
August 31, 2021
I loved this book. I should add that I love bees, but usually the wild bees, not domesticated honey bees. Nevertheless I found that I liked everything about this book. From the tactile cover and the illustrations and old photographs to the gentle writing of the author. It was another ration myself book.
The book covers many aspects of beekeeping - the debate about the introduction of Italian bees into Denmark, the appearance of bees in historical manuscripts, the swarming of bees, industrial keeping of bees. I have no interest in keeping bees, but I found the whole book fascinating and well written. A nice distraction.
The book covers many aspects of beekeeping - the debate about the introduction of Italian bees into Denmark, the appearance of bees in historical manuscripts, the swarming of bees, industrial keeping of bees. I have no interest in keeping bees, but I found the whole book fascinating and well written. A nice distraction.
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December 7, 2020English Review:
'Bees and their keepers' is a cultural history of humanity's management of bees through the ages. Lotte Möller looks into historical texts from priests and other significant thinkers, as well as modern beekeeping-manuals, attempting to understand the many aspects of our usage, management, and interest in bees (particularly from a honey-production standpoint). She meets with various individuals active in the field, from the traditionally-oriented to the technologically innovative, and organisations working within the bee sphere. Alongside the general piecing together of bee history - she weaves in personal anecdotes of her own attempt at keeping bees many years prior. Toxic pesticides, environmental challenges and climate change, bee population dynamics, tool development, and much more is discussed in this book. Despite none of the distinctive themes getting a deep-dive, this is entertaining and fascinating reading that will appeal to anyone who likes honey, bees, or mother nature in all her glory.
* * *
Bin och människor är en kulturhistorisk bok om människors biskötsel genom tiderna. Lotte Möller dyker ner i historiska texter från präster och andra betydelsefulla, till moderna biodlar-manualer för att förstå de olika aspekterna av vårt användande, skötande, och intresse i bin (särskilt i relation till honungs-produktion). Hon möter också flera andra personer, allt från traditionella till nytänkande biodlare, till föreningar som arbetar i anknytning till binas värld. Samtidigt vävs personliga anekdoter och erfarenheter in från några år av att ha bin - det märks att Möller både har ett personligt och journalistiskt intresse i ämnet. I boken diskuteras allt från olika miljögifter och klimatförändringars påverkan på bi populationer, bisamhällens dynamik, förändringar av biskötsel utifrån verktyg, syfte och mottagande, och mycket mer. Även om boken inte direkt djupdyker i någondera av ämnena som behandlas, några av de uppenbarligen i behov av en hel bok för sig - är detta både spännande och givande läsning för den som gillar honung, gillar bin, eller i allmänhet naturens rikedom.
'Bees and their keepers' is a cultural history of humanity's management of bees through the ages. Lotte Möller looks into historical texts from priests and other significant thinkers, as well as modern beekeeping-manuals, attempting to understand the many aspects of our usage, management, and interest in bees (particularly from a honey-production standpoint). She meets with various individuals active in the field, from the traditionally-oriented to the technologically innovative, and organisations working within the bee sphere. Alongside the general piecing together of bee history - she weaves in personal anecdotes of her own attempt at keeping bees many years prior. Toxic pesticides, environmental challenges and climate change, bee population dynamics, tool development, and much more is discussed in this book. Despite none of the distinctive themes getting a deep-dive, this is entertaining and fascinating reading that will appeal to anyone who likes honey, bees, or mother nature in all her glory.
* * *
Bin och människor är en kulturhistorisk bok om människors biskötsel genom tiderna. Lotte Möller dyker ner i historiska texter från präster och andra betydelsefulla, till moderna biodlar-manualer för att förstå de olika aspekterna av vårt användande, skötande, och intresse i bin (särskilt i relation till honungs-produktion). Hon möter också flera andra personer, allt från traditionella till nytänkande biodlare, till föreningar som arbetar i anknytning till binas värld. Samtidigt vävs personliga anekdoter och erfarenheter in från några år av att ha bin - det märks att Möller både har ett personligt och journalistiskt intresse i ämnet. I boken diskuteras allt från olika miljögifter och klimatförändringars påverkan på bi populationer, bisamhällens dynamik, förändringar av biskötsel utifrån verktyg, syfte och mottagande, och mycket mer. Även om boken inte direkt djupdyker i någondera av ämnena som behandlas, några av de uppenbarligen i behov av en hel bok för sig - är detta både spännande och givande läsning för den som gillar honung, gillar bin, eller i allmänhet naturens rikedom.
March 25, 2022
Nie ma chyba odpowiednich słów, które wyraziłyby mój zachwyt nad tym tytułem. To trzeba poczuć, dotknąć i przeczytać, żeby w końcu zrodzić w sobie fascynację tymi małymi, ale tak bardzo potrzebnymi nam i światu owadami.
Lotte Möller to szwedzka pisarka i historyczka ogrodnictwa, która od lat zajmuje się pszczelarstwem. I to właśnie dzięki niej możemy zgłębić niesamowity świat pszczół, poznać ich największe sekrety, a nawet znaleźć odpowiedzi na najbardziej ciekawiące nas pytania. Jeśli nie uważaliście odpowiednio na biologii, myślę, że po tej lekturze będzie się wam należeć solidna szóstka!
W sposób humorystyczny, przystępny i ciekawy autorka opisuje wpływ naszych skrzydlatych przyjaciół na każdy aspekt naszego życia: Sztukę, naukę, historię, religię, a nawet filozofię. Nie sposób się nudzić - interesujące zdjęcia, wiele anegdot, a wszystko okraszone nawiązaniami do popkultury i historii, co przypomniało mi też odrobinę lata szkolne i to w ten całkowicie pozytywny sposób. Mamy tu Kubusia Puchatka, Napoleona, Świętego Ambrożego i pszczółkę Maję; w takim towarzystwie czas przy książce mija migusiem!
Jestem pod niesamowitym wrażeniem ilości zebranego materiału napisanego tak, że czyta się książkę z zapartym tchem. To właśnie te przyjemne wstawki sprawiają, że zamiast książki od historii, mamy przed sobą niesamowitą pozycję, która dodatkowo jest wydana w przepiękny i bardzo estetyczny sposób. I nawet pszczoły okazują się jednymi z najlepszych literackich bohaterów.
Uzmysłowiłam sobie jak mało wiem chociażby o miodzie, który przecież na co dzień towarzyszy mi w życiu; Jestem pewna, że nie tylko ja wyciągnę wiele z tej pozycji!
Chylę też czoło przed @szwecjablog za tłumaczenie, dzięki któremu dane nam przeczytać tę pozycję!
Za egzemplarz serdecznie dziękuję wydawnictwu Wielka Litera.
Lotte Möller to szwedzka pisarka i historyczka ogrodnictwa, która od lat zajmuje się pszczelarstwem. I to właśnie dzięki niej możemy zgłębić niesamowity świat pszczół, poznać ich największe sekrety, a nawet znaleźć odpowiedzi na najbardziej ciekawiące nas pytania. Jeśli nie uważaliście odpowiednio na biologii, myślę, że po tej lekturze będzie się wam należeć solidna szóstka!
W sposób humorystyczny, przystępny i ciekawy autorka opisuje wpływ naszych skrzydlatych przyjaciół na każdy aspekt naszego życia: Sztukę, naukę, historię, religię, a nawet filozofię. Nie sposób się nudzić - interesujące zdjęcia, wiele anegdot, a wszystko okraszone nawiązaniami do popkultury i historii, co przypomniało mi też odrobinę lata szkolne i to w ten całkowicie pozytywny sposób. Mamy tu Kubusia Puchatka, Napoleona, Świętego Ambrożego i pszczółkę Maję; w takim towarzystwie czas przy książce mija migusiem!
Jestem pod niesamowitym wrażeniem ilości zebranego materiału napisanego tak, że czyta się książkę z zapartym tchem. To właśnie te przyjemne wstawki sprawiają, że zamiast książki od historii, mamy przed sobą niesamowitą pozycję, która dodatkowo jest wydana w przepiękny i bardzo estetyczny sposób. I nawet pszczoły okazują się jednymi z najlepszych literackich bohaterów.
Uzmysłowiłam sobie jak mało wiem chociażby o miodzie, który przecież na co dzień towarzyszy mi w życiu; Jestem pewna, że nie tylko ja wyciągnę wiele z tej pozycji!
Chylę też czoło przed @szwecjablog za tłumaczenie, dzięki któremu dane nam przeczytać tę pozycję!
Za egzemplarz serdecznie dziękuję wydawnictwu Wielka Litera.
April 11, 2020
Mysig och lärorik med ett charmigt och personligt språk. Precis lagom fakta och personliga anekdoter. Perfekt att läsa om man inte är så bekant med just biodling och vill veta mer! Kul med historia också. Rekommenderar!
April 9, 2021
Velskrevet bog om bier og mennesker, både kulturhistorisk og faktuel. God underholdning.
January 9, 2023
Jag lärde mig mycket intressanta fakta och kuriosa om bin och människor i dåtid och nutid. Älskade bokens layout och uppdelning samt att papperet var lite tjockare än det brukar vara.
June 25, 2020
Trevlig och lärorik läsning om biodling. Jag skulle säkert ha gett 5 stjärnor om jag hade varit biodlare!
July 16, 2020
Puttrig och småtrevlig, men många av de stora frågorna kring bin, människor och miljö berörs knappt.
October 4, 2020
A bee-utifully written book about our little friends, the bees! There was so much information this book, mixed in with some lovely stories and anecdotes. I also really enjoyed how the first section was broken up into months.
I also really enjoyed the thoughtfully illustrated diagrams throughout the book! It broke up the information nicely, and made an overall enjoyable read.
Thank you hachette for gifting me a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I also really enjoyed the thoughtfully illustrated diagrams throughout the book! It broke up the information nicely, and made an overall enjoyable read.
Thank you hachette for gifting me a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2019
En liten pärla för en som mig, som oroar sig för bidöden och som är besatt av honung!
December 15, 2019
Vansinnigt charmerande bok! Var inte särskilt intresserad av bin innan och tänker aldrig skaffa egna, men trots det är det en vacker och intressant bok som rekommenderas varmt!
August 6, 2022
Very intriguing book on beekeeping! I found myself pausing my book and sharing with those closest to me a fact about beekeeping history I just read. Well written, witty, and one of the first non-fiction stories that I thoroughly enjoyed. I had thought about adding on beekeeping to my list of hobbies before, and this has just propelled my interest further!
March 27, 2021
Asså böcker om djur va?! Uppladdad till tänderna med intressant bi kuriosa är känslan just nu. En bok som var fantastiskt upplagd. Så fint uppbyggd historia utifrån författarens egna erfarenheter varvat med intressanta djupdykningar. Toppklass!
November 7, 2021
I found this to "bee" very interesting. A good light read to learn about beekeeping in Europe.
February 19, 2021
Really interesting read, gives a new perspective on the intertwining history of humans & bees
August 20, 2022
I would never have thought a book on bees and their keepers would appeal to me but I am so glad I read this one on the recommendation of a dear friend because this book was certainly very interesting!
The author, a Swedish journalist who had herself kept bees for a while, talks about everything bee related, from the different types of bees to the kinds of hives that have come into existence over the centuries and the most popular ones now to how the hive is formed to the methods of honey extraction and so much more. What's more, she does this in a tone that's always light and even humorous in many places like when she describes fights between neighbours over swarms of bees and how people from various countries defend the taste of the honey that they are most used to. The history of beekeeping and how it has evolved over the centuries is brought out through various references in the literary world. The various characteristics of bees that were thought to be adaptable by human beings who were encouraged to do so included their industriousness, order, work ethic and hive protectiveness along with each type of bee being a distinct individual.
How bees reproduce and produce honey was something that was debated on for centuries and some of the explanations are hilarious. The evolution of protective equipment to prevent bee stings is explained along with ways to treat the pain which include rubbing an onion on the site!
This was of particular interest to me because I admit to being petrified of being anywhere near a beehive!
Beekeeping has given rise to numerous products, businesses and industries which now endanger the source itself in their zeal to be most profitable. There are conferences held by beekeeping associations that try to figure out a trade-off between disturbing nature(bees) and supporting the businesses.
I found it a fascinating read because I had no clue so much went into this activity of beekeeping and honey production. I didn't know that the taste of the honey depends on the type of trees the bees bring pollen from for example. There are illustrations that bring the various aspects being discussed to life and the fact that the author has discussed beekeeping in different parts of the world that she visited makes this kind of an international journey through the world of bees!
I'll look at a bottle of honey with much more respect and appreciation now that I know the story of its origin! I love nonfiction but this was definitely one of the more enjoyable ones I have read.
The author, a Swedish journalist who had herself kept bees for a while, talks about everything bee related, from the different types of bees to the kinds of hives that have come into existence over the centuries and the most popular ones now to how the hive is formed to the methods of honey extraction and so much more. What's more, she does this in a tone that's always light and even humorous in many places like when she describes fights between neighbours over swarms of bees and how people from various countries defend the taste of the honey that they are most used to. The history of beekeeping and how it has evolved over the centuries is brought out through various references in the literary world. The various characteristics of bees that were thought to be adaptable by human beings who were encouraged to do so included their industriousness, order, work ethic and hive protectiveness along with each type of bee being a distinct individual.
How bees reproduce and produce honey was something that was debated on for centuries and some of the explanations are hilarious. The evolution of protective equipment to prevent bee stings is explained along with ways to treat the pain which include rubbing an onion on the site!
This was of particular interest to me because I admit to being petrified of being anywhere near a beehive!
Beekeeping has given rise to numerous products, businesses and industries which now endanger the source itself in their zeal to be most profitable. There are conferences held by beekeeping associations that try to figure out a trade-off between disturbing nature(bees) and supporting the businesses.
I found it a fascinating read because I had no clue so much went into this activity of beekeeping and honey production. I didn't know that the taste of the honey depends on the type of trees the bees bring pollen from for example. There are illustrations that bring the various aspects being discussed to life and the fact that the author has discussed beekeeping in different parts of the world that she visited makes this kind of an international journey through the world of bees!
I'll look at a bottle of honey with much more respect and appreciation now that I know the story of its origin! I love nonfiction but this was definitely one of the more enjoyable ones I have read.
October 1, 2021
Bees and Their Keepers is a non fiction book written by Lotte Möller, and the audiobook is narrated by Julie Maisey. The study of bees has often been considered a divine occupation, as the creature’s attention to detail and purpose is so special and the honey they produce, almost magical. In this compelling cultural history that moves beautifully through the beekeeper’s year, Swedish beekeeper and writer Lotte Möller shares her understanding of bees and bee lore from antiquity to the present with deep knowledge and sharp wit. Möller gives insight into the activity in the hive and describes the bees’ natural order and habits. She explores the myths of the past and how and when they were replaced by fact. In stories from her travels, Möller encounters a host of colorful characters, from a trigger-happy California beekeeper raging against both killer bees and bee politics to the legendary Brother Adam of Buckfast Abbey, breeder of the Buckfast queen, now popular throughout Europe and beyond, as well a host of others as passionate as she about the complex world of apiculture both past and present.
Bees and Their Keepers is an interesting book. I learned a great deal, and thought the stories and information shared where engaging. I have several books about bees, in particular their current plight with pesticides and other dangers they are facing. Getting a look at how people have interacted with bees through out history, both distant and more recently, has given me a more well-rounded appreciation for honey and the work that goes into beekeeping. I liked that moments from the author's adventures in researching the topic, personal explorations, and own beekeeping were included. All of the individual components were informative and interesting to listen to on my commutes back and forth to work. However, I have to admit that sometimes the topic changes or asides to give more information on a very specific topic or adventure caught me off guard and it took me a bit to switch gears. It just felt a little disjointed at times. Similarly, the end rather snuck up on me. That is not likely to happen to those reading a print copy, but in the audiobook version I was listening and expecting more on a topic, or another topic change, and then suddenly I was listening to the copyright information. It just felt a bit abrupt to me.
Bees and Their Keepers is and interesting look at the history and world of beekeeping.
Bees and Their Keepers is an interesting book. I learned a great deal, and thought the stories and information shared where engaging. I have several books about bees, in particular their current plight with pesticides and other dangers they are facing. Getting a look at how people have interacted with bees through out history, both distant and more recently, has given me a more well-rounded appreciation for honey and the work that goes into beekeeping. I liked that moments from the author's adventures in researching the topic, personal explorations, and own beekeeping were included. All of the individual components were informative and interesting to listen to on my commutes back and forth to work. However, I have to admit that sometimes the topic changes or asides to give more information on a very specific topic or adventure caught me off guard and it took me a bit to switch gears. It just felt a little disjointed at times. Similarly, the end rather snuck up on me. That is not likely to happen to those reading a print copy, but in the audiobook version I was listening and expecting more on a topic, or another topic change, and then suddenly I was listening to the copyright information. It just felt a bit abrupt to me.
Bees and Their Keepers is and interesting look at the history and world of beekeeping.
April 19, 2023
Keeping bees is a pastime with roots in thoughtful spirituality, for many years it was believed that bees are a divine role model for hard work, dedication, and a sense of community. While still a critical part of our food chain, being some of the most important pollinators in the world, keeping bees has become a vocation for money making, for scientific research, for casual hobby. In Bees and Their Keepers, author Lotte Möller takes readers on a journey through the ages, clarifying myths and confirming facts about bees and how they interact with the world, and how our interactions with bees have shaped our lives and agricultural practices for generations.
Bees and Their Keepers is a rambling journey down the topic of beekeeping. The first part of the book is broken into month-long sections in which Möller describes the typical activities of bees, their behaviors and preferences, and her own interactions with neighbors, her beekeeping mentor, and other beekeepers she meets in her travels. The second part of the book gives Möller the chance to discuss modern beekeeping, going to some national conferences in Europe and discussing genetic diversity of bee species and how various populations are being kept alive. I quite enjoyed the subject matter, I have a soft spot for bees, but even my personal interest in the topic could not keep me from thinking that this book is an oddly-organized jumble of story, fact, myth, interview, and scientific exploration of bees. The sections do not feel incredibly distinct, and I think the book could have served from a lot better organization of topics - maybe ones that actually match up better with the months in a year. More scientific discussions would have been welcome also, some areas of the book wander into myth and superstition without then dispelling the folklore. Perhaps there is simply too much superstition surrounding beekeeping, but I think the book felt a little aimless. The book ended quite abruptly as well, which felt jarring and threw me out of the storytelling without warning. Still, it was a lovely meander, and my own personal preference for the topic at hand kept me engaged and enjoying the listen. If you have an interest in bees and beekeeping, Bees and Their Keepers is an interesting and entertaining foray into the wild mix of myth and science surrounding beekeeping.
Bees and Their Keepers is a rambling journey down the topic of beekeeping. The first part of the book is broken into month-long sections in which Möller describes the typical activities of bees, their behaviors and preferences, and her own interactions with neighbors, her beekeeping mentor, and other beekeepers she meets in her travels. The second part of the book gives Möller the chance to discuss modern beekeeping, going to some national conferences in Europe and discussing genetic diversity of bee species and how various populations are being kept alive. I quite enjoyed the subject matter, I have a soft spot for bees, but even my personal interest in the topic could not keep me from thinking that this book is an oddly-organized jumble of story, fact, myth, interview, and scientific exploration of bees. The sections do not feel incredibly distinct, and I think the book could have served from a lot better organization of topics - maybe ones that actually match up better with the months in a year. More scientific discussions would have been welcome also, some areas of the book wander into myth and superstition without then dispelling the folklore. Perhaps there is simply too much superstition surrounding beekeeping, but I think the book felt a little aimless. The book ended quite abruptly as well, which felt jarring and threw me out of the storytelling without warning. Still, it was a lovely meander, and my own personal preference for the topic at hand kept me engaged and enjoying the listen. If you have an interest in bees and beekeeping, Bees and Their Keepers is an interesting and entertaining foray into the wild mix of myth and science surrounding beekeeping.
August 22, 2021
I love a good learning session, and the audiobook of Lotte Moller's Bees and Their Keepers was just that.
It was an educational and interesting Sunday listen as I made my roast. I will admit, a bit inspired by the author and her subjects, I added a squeeze of our local hot honey to my recipe. At times, there is a bit too hyper specific information for me as a novice listener but I'm sure that will be appreciated by those who keep bees or are looking to learn more about beekeeping.
One of my favorite funny nuggets buried within this read was about the notorious Scottish Buckfast wine which any millennial will immediately associate with the infamous and now banned Four Loko. Apparently, monks at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England make this insane sounding, crime-inducing concoction of caffeinated fortified wine from the honey of a specific strain of idyllic bees discussed at length in the chapter. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of this wild origin story at the heart of what the author reports is a wave of crime among the youth of Scotland!
An enjoyable and easy listen, I recommend it to anyone looking for a little learning and a bit of research for pub trivia.
Publication date: August 31, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
It was an educational and interesting Sunday listen as I made my roast. I will admit, a bit inspired by the author and her subjects, I added a squeeze of our local hot honey to my recipe. At times, there is a bit too hyper specific information for me as a novice listener but I'm sure that will be appreciated by those who keep bees or are looking to learn more about beekeeping.
One of my favorite funny nuggets buried within this read was about the notorious Scottish Buckfast wine which any millennial will immediately associate with the infamous and now banned Four Loko. Apparently, monks at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England make this insane sounding, crime-inducing concoction of caffeinated fortified wine from the honey of a specific strain of idyllic bees discussed at length in the chapter. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of this wild origin story at the heart of what the author reports is a wave of crime among the youth of Scotland!
An enjoyable and easy listen, I recommend it to anyone looking for a little learning and a bit of research for pub trivia.
Publication date: August 31, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 22, 2021
This was such a delight. Lotte Möller's "Bees and Their Keepers" is the perfect pass-time if you would like to learn about nature, history, and our wonderful friends: the bees.
The book, narrated in clear, engaging tones by Julie Maisley, is about as relaxing a read as you can find. Möller gives us an overview of apiculture, its roots, its traditional methods and how those differ by country and region, not to mention by type of bee! Speaking of which, I never knew there were so many kinds of bees. I obviously can't judge the contents of the book given that I know absolutely nothing about bees or honey, but I can say it was all very layman-friendly and fun (even if the ending is strangely abrupt). My favorite parts were about how beekeping has evolved over time and how the depiction of bees changed over time (for example, did you know hives were the symbol for the ideal monarchy up until scientists discovered the "King" of bees was in fact the "Queen"?).
Recommended if you are in a cottagecore mood, or perhaps if you would simply like something restful and educational.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The book, narrated in clear, engaging tones by Julie Maisley, is about as relaxing a read as you can find. Möller gives us an overview of apiculture, its roots, its traditional methods and how those differ by country and region, not to mention by type of bee! Speaking of which, I never knew there were so many kinds of bees. I obviously can't judge the contents of the book given that I know absolutely nothing about bees or honey, but I can say it was all very layman-friendly and fun (even if the ending is strangely abrupt). My favorite parts were about how beekeping has evolved over time and how the depiction of bees changed over time (for example, did you know hives were the symbol for the ideal monarchy up until scientists discovered the "King" of bees was in fact the "Queen"?).
Recommended if you are in a cottagecore mood, or perhaps if you would simply like something restful and educational.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2025
Den här boken läser som ett blogginlägg av någon åldrad kvinna som tycker ”Åååh, bin är så mysiga och underbara”. Recensioner av boken lovade insikt i bins liv, relationen mellan samhälle, bin och religion och vad honung smakar egentligen? Boken var till och med nominerad till Augustpriset inom genren fackbok. En fackbok ska grunda sig på välmotiverad och accepterad kunskap som ska förmedlas till läsaren. Färglägg mig tveksam.
Boken är fylld av spridda anekdoter som lika gärna kunde återberättats av en barfota Ernst framför en vedbrasa en sen vinterkväll. Det gav hela boken ett ovetenskapligt intryck som inte levde upp till mina förväntningar. Den del av boken som skulle ge läsaren lite insikt i hur man smakar sig till det smarriga i honung var bara samma förvirrande pajdiagram som klistras in i varje jäkla vin och whiskeybok. Den gav mig like mycket förståelse som dem tidigare. Nära intill noll.
Hur som helst fick jag lite insikt i bins liv, hur religion och samhället har ställt sig till bina genom tiderna och så tyckte jag den var rätt så rolig att läsa.
Skulle rekommenderas.
Boken är fylld av spridda anekdoter som lika gärna kunde återberättats av en barfota Ernst framför en vedbrasa en sen vinterkväll. Det gav hela boken ett ovetenskapligt intryck som inte levde upp till mina förväntningar. Den del av boken som skulle ge läsaren lite insikt i hur man smakar sig till det smarriga i honung var bara samma förvirrande pajdiagram som klistras in i varje jäkla vin och whiskeybok. Den gav mig like mycket förståelse som dem tidigare. Nära intill noll.
Hur som helst fick jag lite insikt i bins liv, hur religion och samhället har ställt sig till bina genom tiderna och så tyckte jag den var rätt så rolig att läsa.
Skulle rekommenderas.
August 23, 2021
What a lovely book, I enjoyed every second of it! Bees and Their Keepers was jam packed with useful and interesting information and I am here for it. The book is split into two parts; the first part discusses facts about bees and the history of bees in our culture. The second part is geared more towards bee keeping etiquette and all the juicy drama that comes with it. Which surprisingly enough is quite juicy. The addition of personal stories really took this book to another level. I highly recommend people with an interest in wildlife and bee’s (duhh) to pick this up. You’ll learn so much about bee’s and get some really good laughs in at the same time.
Thank You to Lotte Möller and Dreamscape Media, for the audio digital ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Thank You to Lotte Möller and Dreamscape Media, for the audio digital ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
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