The world of bees

Fromtime immemorial, bees have fascinated human culture. Mythic pictures andwritings tell of our close affinity and connection with these complexcreatures, as well as the inestimable value of honey and wax. In recent years,bees have come to prominence again in the media, with reports of colonycollapse and the wholesale demise of bee populations, forcing us to awaken tothe critical role they play in human existence. Thisnew anthology is an essential handbook for anyone interested in beekeeping orthe indispensable work that bees do for humanity. It features chapters on theorigins of bees, human beings and beekeeping, the organism of the hive, thesocial qualities of bees, their relationship with wasps and ants, plants andelemental beings, the efficacy of honey, bee venom, as well as scientificaspects such as silica and formic acid processes and a critique of modernbeekeeping.