Much has been written in the popular press of late about the decline of bees and the implications for humans and our food supply. Yes, much has been written, but little has been done, so the publication of Beepedia is timely in so many ways.
Laurence Packer is a distinguished Canadian bee expert and needs no introduction as a melittologist of note. As always, let me also give a nod to the illustrator, (Ann Sanderson in this instance), whose excellent drawings enhance the text in a very pleasing way.
The standard format for this series is followed, with entries from A to Z. Everything from pure science to the role of bees in popular culture, folklore and religious observance is included. Many of the "pedia" books are infused with a good deal of wry humour, sometimes comical enough to elicit a laugh and more than a few wry smiles. Packer does not overwhelm us with whimsy and satire, but the solid science is more than adequate compensation.
For the novice a complete understanding of bees, both wild and domesticated, can be gained from this little book. You will understand what makes a bee a bee, what threats they are facing, ways in which you might help, and you will become familiar with the practice of "beewashing." More hives are not always - in fact hardly ever - the solution to bees' problems. That warm and fuzzy feeling you get when your city touts its environmental ethic by announcing more rooftop hives is usually misplaced. Western Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), in hives containing thousands of individuals, can quickly outstrip food availability, excluding native species in the process.
Many interesting facts may be gleaned from this book. Who knew that Napoleon Bonaparte chose the bee as his emblem? Or that one Brazilian woman described over 330 bee species. Lucky the person who walked by her office door at the time she was trying to come up with a name for a new species. She named taxa in this manner and ordinary citizens were immortalized in science forever!
It's a great little book with a mountain of information from an impeccable scientist. Read, enjoy, learn - and help the bees in your area. If we all do it we can make a difference.
Beepedia: A Brief Compendium of Bee Curiosities - Princeton University Press
Laurence Packer
Illustrated by Ann Sanderson
Hardcover - US$17.95 - ISBN: 9780691262383
176 pages - 4.5 x 6.75 inches (11.25 x 16.875 cm)
51 black-and-white illustrations
Publication date: 17 June, 2025
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I really enjoyed your review, David. Of course the book deserves it, the pictures and design are beautiful. I'm a little afraid of bees, but they are better than wasps, which are aggressive. Bees bring a lot of benefits, I love honey!
ReplyDeleteSome wasps are more aggressive to be sure, Nadezda, but they too have an important role to play in a healthy ecosystem, and left alone and treated with respect, they bother humans very little.
DeleteI do hope it is not too late... but worry.
ReplyDeleteThere is more than enough reason to worry, Sue.
DeleteThank you so much for introducing yet another book in the excellent 'pedia series.
ReplyDelete