The Bad Beekeepers Club: How I stumbled into the Curious World of Bees - and became (perhaps) a Better Person

Bill Turnbull describes his 'Apiaric' adventures with a touch of wry humour.It is funny, thought provoking and informative. His wife must have the patience of a saint as he describes in a hilarious fashion the harvesting of honey in a completely unprepared kitchen - as only a man can...oblivious in his lack of foresight as to the abject mess this intails.His experiences with a "bad tempered" colony are as most experiences with bad temper when you leave the culprit(s) alone to stew...read the book to find out.Oh, and bees dont like fish!As one who has contemplated keeping bees as a hobby I found this book invaluable.Although it is not a textbook Bill Turnbulls knowledge and skill as an Apiarist comes across succinctly. After reading the book I abandoned the thought of beekeeping as it is certainly not something for the amateur. The bee populous of the U.K. is under threat from many viruses, parasites and bacterium. To plod along without the prerequisite knowledge of how to identify bees who are ill or infected would risk the spread of disease to the healthy colonies of reputable beekeepersThere is a scheme whereby you can support Beekeepers by "adopting" colonies in the UK. Those who are interested in Apiary should become involved in this way instead of "bumbling along" (pun definately intended) mistakenly percieving Beekeeping as a hobby easily taken up without much experience.

Nice cheery and colourful book for established beekeepers

This is a well written and uplifting insight into the art of bee keeping. It is illuminating and easy to read while showing something of the authors own personality and life views. Would recommend.

I have read a few other bee books about people's experiences, but this is definitely the one to buy. Not only was it entertaining and easy to read, but it was very informative as well. I am helping to deliver a beginners course in beekeeping and as I read this I kept hearing the repetition of what we had just gone through, but this was delivered in an informal and amusing way accessible to everyone. A lot of introductions to bees are very dry and technical. If you keep bees or are thinking about it go for this. I am keeping my copy and loaning it out to friends, always a good sign!

Book was as described and arrived in good condition

Good book, but it helps to know who Bill Turnbull is and a little more about him.Some good stories and provided a few giggles

I bought this for a present for someone who has recently entered the world of bee-keeping. He enjoyed it but reckons that you would have to be a beekeeper to really appreciate it. He could identify with all the Bad Beekeeper's problems and liked the humour.

The book ,is a brilliant way to say how we as beekeepers feel about how bees let us into their world . Yes I’ve made the same mistakes as Bill ,and a few more ,but bees accept ,and sting if you push to far ,read the book it’s enlightening,and shows how we as beekeepers grow and expand our understanding and knowledge of these most charming and challenging of god’s creations.

I am not a beekeeper - they frighten me. However we do have a couple of colonies on our acreage; one in a hive and one 'wild' colony in the double wall of our barn. Our daughter who has her own hives on her own property, looks after our hive. This well written book evokes memories of our rural way of life, of the challenges, joy and sheer wonderment of owning bees and observing these amazing little creatures which are so essential to human existence. Even if you do not own bees you will find this book interesting and amusing.

I recommend this to any would be beekeeper. It was well written, with a great sense of humour. Having had bees for a few years I can relate well to this book

I'm someone looking to start beekeeping. I have read a lot of other books covering the practical how to's and technical do's and do nots of beekeeping. This book differs from the typical "beekeeping for dummies approach".Every beekeeper I have spoken to recommends learning the craft from someone with experience. Bill Turnbull has that experience, albeit by learning it the hard way.The great advantage of this book, is that you get a "heads up" about what you can expect whilst learning and practicing the art of beekeeping. It is delighfully funny and conveys a real sense of passion and respect towards bees.