The number of people interested and active in keeping bees at an amateur level has increased greatly over the past few years with a surge of interest from those in both rural and urban situations. 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.