Langstroth's Hive and the Honey-Bee: The Classic Beekeeper's Manual

Book Synopsis: Rev. Langstroth provides an engaging and comprehensive overview of modern beekeeping, from the physiology and behavior of bees to managing them in hives. Packed with interesting observations from years of experience, this book will make you an expert beekeeper in no time.

This influential guide by the Reverend L. L. Langstroth, "the father of modern beekeeping," revolutionized the practice of beekeeping. Originally published in 1853, his work constitutes the first descriptive treatise of modern bee management — its innovations allowed people to engage in actual beekeeping, rather than simply handling bee domiciles and extracting the honey. This book explains and illustrates techniques still employed 150 years later— including the author's patented invention, a movable frame hive that quickly spread into common use around the world. In his reader-friendly, nontechnical style, Langstroth addresses every aspect of beekeeping: bee physiology; diseases and enemies of bees; the life-cycles of the queen, drone, and worker; bee-hives; and the handling of bees. An infectious sense of wonder and enthusiasm suffuses Langstroth's accounts of natural and artificial swarming, the production of honey and wax, and the best methods of feeding bees and maintaining an apiary. The manual abounds in practical and intriguing insights attained through the years of observation and experience, including "the kindness of bees to one another," "their infatuation for liquid sweets," and "the warning given by bees before stinging." This version of Langstroth's ever-popular manual is the fourth and final edition; it incorporates the author's own revisions and remains an unsurpassed resource for beekeepers.

Learn from the father of modern beekeeping: Rev. L. L. Langstroth, "the father of modern beekeeping," revolutionized the practice with this influential guide that is still used today.

Revolutionary techniques: Learn the patented technique for setting up a movable frame hive, still used by modern beekeepers around the world. Up your game with tips on handling bees, swarming behaviors, and feeding habits.

Practical insights for all levels: You'll find information on anatomy and physiology, diseases and enemies of bees, life-cycles of queen, drone and worker bees, bee domiciles and more! Insights gained from years of observation such as “the kindness of bees to one another” make this an invaluable resource for beekeepers.

Get into producing honey and wax: Langstroth accounts for natural and artificial swarming; methods of feeding bees; producing honey and wax; and maintaining an apiary—all with detailed illustrations! Get started on your own successful beekeeping venture today!