The Beekeeper's Lament: How One Man And Half A Billion Honey Bees Help Feed America (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I was surprised (and a little disappointed) to find out that the honey bee is (1) not native to North America, but came over during colonial times, and (2) is an integral part of the industrialized food industry.This book documents how bees are moved around the United States to pollinate crops on a massive scale that are sold around the world, the honey is just a by-product as it turns out.We tend to think of a couple of hives tended by a retired detective (is that you Sherlock?) who give jars of custom honey to the neighbors. But the commercial beekeeper, John Miller, profiled in this book owns millions of bees and thousands of hives that he moves around the country based on crops and seasons. The sections on the behavior of bees are interesting, but not the main point. The process of how beekeeping that started as a cottage industry to produce honey, and then evolved into an national and even international business is the focus. The author uses John Miller as the focal point to spin off in various directions to show aspects of this business in some detail.For example: most people know that there is only one queen in a hive, but did you know there is a business built around raising queens of certain genetic characteristics that are sold worldwide? They are sold to start new hives, rejuvenate older hives, replace older queens who aren't producing enough eggs. Fun and readable, Beekeeper's Lament offers a very good blend of beekeeping history, science and technology, and the most recent struggles of commercial beekeepers all anchored by the wily and charming character of John Miller. Nordhaus uses Miller's gruff charm and character to wonderful affect to discuss some very serious and at times quite technical aspects and issues of modern commercial beekeeping. Anyone with a passing interest in apiary culture or fans of popular science and ecological reportage should give this book a try.
What do You think about The Beekeeper's Lament: How One Man And Half A Billion Honey Bees Help Feed America (2011)?
I learned so much about the beekeeping industry with this book - a great read.
—jada00
if you care about our food, you should read. Again, not sexy!
—soumia
I started just skimming it. A little dense and dry.
—abbey
