Letters from the Hive: An Intimate History of Bees, Honey, and Humankind

by Stephen Buchmann, Banning Repplier

They work hard, are devoted to family, love sex, and know the importance of a good piece of real estate. Honey bees, and the daily workings of their close-knit colonies, are one of nature's great miracles. And they produce one of nature's greatest edible honey. More than just a palate pleaser, honey was once an offering to the gods, a preservative, and a medicine whose sought-after curative powers were detailed in ancient texts . . . and are being rediscovered by modern medical science.In Letters from the Hive, Prof. Stephen Buchmann takes us into the hive--nursery, honey factory, queen's inner sanctum--and out to the world of backyard gardens, open fields, and deserts in full bloom, where the age-old sexual dance between flowers and bees makes life on earth as we know it possible. Hailed for their hard work, harmonious society, and, mistakenly, for their celibacy, bees have a link to our species that goes beyond biology. In Letters from the Hive, Buchmann explores the fascinating role of bees in human culture and mythology, following the "honey hunters" of native cultures in Malaysia, the Himalayas, and the Australian Outback as they risk life and limb to locate a treasure as valuable as any gold.To contemplate a world without bees is to imagine a desolate place, culturally and biologically, and Buchmann shows how with each acre of land sacrificed to plow, parking lot, or shopping mall, we inch closer to what could become a chilling reality. He also offers honey-based recipes, cooking tips, and home remedies--further evidence of the gifts these creatures have bestowed on us.Told with wit, wisdom, and affection, and rich with anecdote and science, Letters from the Hive is nature writing at its best. This is natural history to be treasured, a sweet tribute that buzzes with life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Science, Biology, Food, History

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Stephen Buchmann is an Adjunct Professor of Entomology and Ecology/Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Stephen has published nearly 200 scientific articles and 11 books. His newest book is "What a Bee Knows" from Island Press (DC). He is a pollination ecologist known for his studies of buzz pollination, oil-producing flowers, and the conservation biology of native bees and their flowers. His books include "The Forgotten Pollinators" with Gary Paul Nabhan, "The Reason for Flowers," and his children's book: "The Bee Tree" (Lee & Low Books, NY). Buchmann also enjoys landscape and macrophotography along with creating small fine art bronzes. He's a frequent guest on NPR radio programs including All Things Considered and Science Friday. His literary awards include the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award, and the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12.

Reviews

[Sesana · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a book like this, a genuine passion for the subject really makes the read much more enjoyable. And Buchmann is obviously, emphatically (and professionally- he's an entomologist) passionate about the subjects of bees, beekeeping, and honey. Where this book shines above others that I've read on the subject is the current anthropological studies of beekeeping and honey hunting. It's truly fascinating, and I don't remember ever having read the same depth of information on that subject elsewhere. The notes on different types of honey were also very interesting. But some things are unsatisfyingly brief (mythology and folklore, for example) and the entire work can might get a little repetitive for readers who aren't in love with honey. But I am.

[Niya Sarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply in Love with Bees Now

I have never been one for nonfiction, but I am trying to broaden my horizons as I meet new people in the bookish community and I’m so glad I started with this one. This book felt like a conversation with a friend, or a session with an easy going tutor that just makes everything *click*. The amount of information was made easy to absorb because of the authors passion and skilled storytelling. There’s multiple honey recipes toward the end but if you enjoy history, health and wellness, or want to know what those cute totes mean by “save the bees!” then I would give this a go :)

[Zena Casteel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and informative, touching upon a wide range of topics from history, religion, entomology and medical science to gourmet cooking and beekeeping practices. This book is certain to provide food (in this case, honey) for thought. It is a bit disorganized, but in some ways that adds to the books charm. Overall, a fun read.

[Ladiibbug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-Fiction

A delightful, in-depth book ... everything you ever wanted to know about bees and honey.

From bees in the earliest civilizations, to myths and folklore about bees, following honey hunters of native cultures who use old traditional methods of gathering honey ... and so much more.

I enjoyed the section on the interaction between bees and flowers. The detailed "Inside The Hive" info was fascinating as well.

I learned that there are many flavors of honey, depending upon which flowers the bee gathers nectar from.

[D M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prof. Buchmann is an entomologist and with this book he hopes that an intimate look at the enduring bond between bees and mankind, forged in sweetness of the honey pot, will rekindle that sense of wonder, helping us stay in touch with our biophilic instincts and renew our age-old covenant with the world in which we live.

The book is a collection of essays, starting with Prof. Buchmann’s passion for honey and bee research. He describes the methods of traditional honey hunters of Malaysia, Nepal and North Australia. He then discusses the seven-thousand-year-old tradition of bee keeping, tracing it back to the Vedic period in India, when honey was used in cooking and medicine. But this practice was slowly displaced with widespread sugarcane cultivation, leading to a slow loss of honey collecting traditions and cultural memory. He pays homage to the father of American beekeeping, the clergyman L. L. Langstroth. He then weaves in the myths and legends of bees and honey such as the legends of the Kalahari, ancient Egypt, Rome, Hindu creation myths, stories from Brazilian rainforests, Mayan legends and Biblical tales.

He encourages the readers to buy locally sourced honey: In this age of globalization, however, the honey we find on our supermarket shelves has often come from halfway around the world, displacing the local and regional honeys that were once widely available.

He provides a useful catalog about the different types of honey and vendors. There is a section on honey-based recipes, followed by an informative essay on mead – “water sweetened with honey and allowed to ferment” and honey as medicine. The final chapter is bibliography, citations and resources for further reading.

Overall, an informative read and a good resource for beekeepers.

Cross-posted on thecuratedsciencejournal.wordpress.com

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating history of the relationship between humans and bees. And not just European Honeybees, bees of every stripe from all around the world. I skimmed over the recipes since that wasn't really what I was looking for in the book, but if you want world-wide honey recipes there's a whole chapter in this book dedicated to them.

[Simone K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters from the Hive is a lovely book with much knowledge. My favorite parts were when Stephen Buchmann described honey hunts in other areas of the world. I learned a lot about how other cultures use honey and its place in history. It's definitely worth a read for anyone interested in honey bees.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Isabel Rushall · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly eurocentric but a delightful read!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shortly after reading Honey Bees: Letters from the Hive, a book for young adults by the same author, I discovered the original adult version. Both are enjoyable. The adult version contains the same information about the honey and bees themselves, but with additional commentary on related species and sexual topics. Who would imagine an Australian hammer orchid would deceive a Thynnid wasp by displaying what looks and smells like a Thynnid female amongst their petals? Unable to fly off and mate with the “female,” the male nonetheless performs a sexual act by transferring pollen from one orchid to another as he searches unsuccessfully for a mate.

Much information is common to both versions. Both volumes contain a useful compendium of different types of honey, from the popular orange and clover to the esoteric Tasmanian leatherwood honey. Beekeeping and honey use throughout the world in ancient and modern times are also covered. Both versions contain the fascinating story of the traditional Malaysian honey hunt, which requires a sultan’s written permission and great finesse. The author tells of his personal experiences as witness to many hunts. Gathering honey in the dark from fifteen foot long hives covered with five layers of Asia’s largest and most aggressive bees, on a tree limb far above the ground is a story that interests both adults and children.

The adult book contains additional information about people interacting with bees and honey. One section tells of the Mayans’ relationship with stingless Yucatan bees throughout their long history. Bees appear frequently in Mayan art and have spiritual significance. Shamans perform ceremonies to honor the bees and to ensure a successful honey hunt. Mayan beekeepers build hives by hollowing out logs to simulate the bees’ natural homes. In modern times, despite deforestation and urbanization, such traditions continue, though on a reduced scale. The author also reveals more about his relationship with bees as a nature-lover, scientist, and beekeeper.

The reader will also find more recipes in the adult book, including the honey cake (lebkuchen) that was discussed extensively but not revealed in the young adult edition. Logically enough, an informative section on mead (honey wine), including how to make it, appears in the adult version. There’s also a short section on toxic honey. I also preferred the layout of the original adult edition.

Anyone who is interested in bees, honey, and beekeeping today and throughout history will appreciate the simple and entertaining presentation of facts and personal experiences in this book. It’s particularly interesting for anyone who has visited or plans to visit an apiary.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up at the BPL Park Slope branch...was pretty disappointed. I thought it would delve into more of the scientific/social aspects of bee colonies, or the recent findings that there are fewer and fewer bees each year. The book is much more focused on the author's obsession with honey. We have Pooh bear for that.

Is this a book about bees or a coming of age novel?? please read this excerpt from chapter 1:

"This was the moment I had been longing for through out the long winter months, a perfect day in late April with the first honey crop of the year ready to taste, waiting for me under those brilliant white caps. Since I never wore clumsy bee gloves, I was able to thrust my right forefinger deep into the comb and drag it across the frame, rupturing more than a hundred cells and releasing the glistening honey which would stream out in thick little rivulets with the bees in hot pursuit. Withdrawing my finger, I would savor my prize, for there is nothing in the world like the tase of warm, fresh honey straigt from the comb." (8)

thrust?
release?
hot pursuit?
thick rivulets?
savoring the prize?

mmm, if you look at it that way, this IS a good read.

[Florence Millo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters from the Hive

I found this charming book very interesting and informative. For example, I had no idea there were many prehistoric cave paintings depicting ancient honey hunting. But once you look at the figures, it is obvious what they are doing. The book takes you back through the history of honey hunting and bee keeping. It takes you on treks through Maya villages in the Yucatan peninsula, to Nepal, Australia, and India to learn the history and current practices of bee keeping and honey harvesting. I also didn't know the prominent place of bees and honey in many ancient creation myths. The book has an interesting section on the many types of honey. Did you know that certain types of honey can be toxic, such as honey from azaleas or the yellow Carolina jasmine?Honey figures prominently as a medicinal not just in ancient times but is currently used in the dressings on burn patients. Two of the most fun chapters were on cooking with honey and making (and imbibing) mead. Lots of references for further information.
A pleasant, informative, good read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters from the Hive is a detailed look at honey production and the relationship between humans and bees around the world. Buchmann, an entomologist, clearly loves his subject and his enthusiasm is contagious for any reader. His information seems well documented, and his introduction of folklore alongside historical accounts is well done for a layman. It's a shame he couldn't have collaborated with a folklorist for these sections. At times his generalizations are slightly larger than I feel comfortable with, but his clear love of beekeeping more than make up for it. A must-read for any beekeeper.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book covering many honey bee related topics. The primary focus was on the historical interactions of people, honey, and honey bees. Only after writing this, did I realize how accurate the sub-title of this book is. The information in this book is incredibly interesting, my only criticism is in presentation. At times I felt like I was reading a scholarly article, or a text book. All in all, I would recommend this to anyone who is curious about a historical and sociological perspective on honey and bees.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was hoping for. I was expecting a synopsis of the honey bee ala Malcolm Gladwell but got a 7th grade text book instead. Interesting tidbits here and there, but with too many sidebars and outtakes to make it a truly enjoyable read. I learned more from my father-in-law beekeeeper in five minutes than I learned here in several hours. Blah.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not as taken with this as I was with Fruitless Fall. My love of bees is somewhat emotional, (not sure why...) and this writer did not tap into that feeling of awe and wonder that made me fall in love with bees.

So I didn't finish it, maybe the end is really great but I guess I'll never know...

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much of this book is just an accumulation of facts about bees. I did like the chapters on the current anthropology of honey collecting in central america and other places. I also liked the creation myths and other stories that include bees. Tried a couple of his recipes - not very good. Much of Buchmann's writing is annoyingly perky but I suspect that it is genuine perkiness.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love bees and any book that goes into this kind of detail will fascinate me. There is folklore, recipes, history - a little of everything. The personal notes are great. The kind of book to read again some summer day when I am lazy and in the garden listening to the hum of bees and other insects keeping the natural world running along smoothly.

[Linda Hollingsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and informative book about the history of our relationship with bees, collecting honey, and how it has been used. As with much nonfiction literature it is not going to be a book most people read through in one sitting, but the author's unique perspective drew me in for shorter spurts of interesting and enjoyable escapes into the world of bees.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a fascinating little book with all sorts of information on beekeepers, beekeeping, honey collection, myths and legends about honey etc.in all parts of the world. It is a wealth of interesting information. I found the chapter on honey as a medical agent, beginning with ancient cultures, and then how it is being rediscovered today.
All in all a delight to read.

[Rachael]

I actually had to stop reading this book or I was never going to read another book again. I just cannot get into it, it is boring me to absolute tears. Maybe I'll come back to it later and feel differently...

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection of stories of the life of people and honey bees. Mr. Buchmann also gave examples of the many different types of honey, the different bees that collect this honey, and a lot of recipes!

In a word, the book was sweet. ;)

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

curious little creatures. the queen bee decides the gender of the eggs she is going to lay. a perk since she spends the majority of her life just laying eggs!

[Rose Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly interesting book about bees and the beekeepers year.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting look at the lives of bees and their keepers.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good history of bees, but dull at time.
Also impressed with recipes using honey at the end.

[Jo Sl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for starting beekeeper and nature enthusiast. I liked it a lot.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just started raising honey bees this year and my brother bought me this book. I loved it!