A Short History of the Honey Bee

By E. Readicker-Henderson
Timber Press, $19.95, 163 pages

Lost in the swirling busy lives of people is the fond memory of that first taste of honey; golden and delicious, it was dipped on spoons and enjoyed with childlike appreciation henceforth. Readicker-Henderson successfully recaptures that moment in his book, using it as a springboard into his own childhood memories of living near bees. The reader is skillfully led down the path of honey in search of new tastes, knowledge of beekeeping methods and the history thereof.

Filled with just the right mixtures of learning, personal narrative and historical facts, this piece is enhanced by strikingly beautiful photographs by Ilona, set among the pages like brilliant gems. The prose is comprehensible and inspiring; one finds that the idea of keeping bees in the backyard is not only attainable but desirable. Readicker-Henderson effectively dispels various myths of the “danger” of honeybees and leaves useful breadcrumbs behind as he travels, citing the many health benefits of the bountiful harvest that bees produce, like beeswax and royal jelly…and let us not forget the golden ambrosia itself, which comes in so many different flavors. So unlike a history textbook, this piece is an interesting, artistic and informative read.

Reviewed by Meredith Greene