Customer Reviews

The Queen Must Die: And Other Affairs of Bees and Men

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I LOVED this book. As Joanne Lauck in her book The Voice of the Infinite in the Small says, "The affinity of beekeepers for their bees is called `bee fever.' Its onset might be slow or fast, but the end result is the same. You fall in love with honeybees and get your first hive. Later as puzzled friends and relatives ask you why, you try to explain, calling the malady a blessing." William Longgood caught his bee fever after he got his first hive, and this is the story of its manifestation. I have discovered something in the reading of his book... "bee fever" is contagious. I think I have caught it. Mr. Longgood, a Pulitzer Prize winner, brings his deep observational skills to bear in this delightful book. I recommend it to anyone who has an affinity for other forms of life on our planet. I HIGHLY recommend it for someone who is afraid of bees as I was before I read this book. I still have a bit of the shadow of my former fear, but much of it has been replaced by respect and curiosity. I truly believe that affinity and compassion is the best defense against fear, and certainly Mr. Longgood's book aides the development of both for the honeybee. I was very sorry to discover that Mr. Longgood has passed into the Infinite in August of 2000, but I cannot imagine he would need a better legacy than this wonderful book.

Without being highly educated in scientific terms or history, this book was a wonderful and enertaining read. I have always been fascinated by insects, especially bees and ants, and this book fulfilled every question I had on bees. Longgood has written it so well that it is like reading a novel rather than nonfiction. This book makes one want to go out in the hills and study the nearest colony of insects all day long.

MR LONGGOOD HAS TAKEN THE SEEMINGLY MUNDANE CHORES OF LIFE WITHIN THE BEE HIVE AND GIVEN THEM A PERSPECTIVE THAT EVEN THE THE MOST STAUNCH INSECT HATER WILL FIND FACINATING. THIS BOOK BRINGS YOU TO A LEVEL OF FASCINATION WITH LITTLE CREATURES WHICH WILL FOSTER AN APPRECIATION FOR BEES THAT YOU NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGAGINED.

A warm-hearted and touching look into the life of bees. Through the eyes of the author, the personality, social culture and care of bees are explored with love and wit. While scientifically sound, this book reads more like a novel than a text book. I highly recommend this book. Thoroughly enjoyable.

What a great read about all things bees - and our interaction with them. I discovered this gem on a search at the library and recognizing it as the book frequently quoted in "The Secret Life of Bees", and thought it might be interesting. Well it was much more than interesting. Mr. Longwood presents his insights and information in a delightful, informal manner. Even if you have little interest in bees or their "affairs", you will still be entertained and enlightened. I highly recommend this book.

I read this book two years ago and continue to savor it. Longgood spins a yarn of the four seasons of the bees, telling about his beginnings as a beekeeper and the changing "personna" of the hive. And the rare but inevitable times the Queen bee must die to save the hive. I continue to recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in beekeeping, nature, gardening, or just contemplating life. His gardening book "Voices from the Earth" is also a treasure

I have always loved this book and I am glad to see it is still in print. Without using a lot of technical jargon, the author explains the comings and goings of the Queen Bee quite well. Those who enjoy a good read about bees will appreciate this little gem.

I have not yet finished this book, but have enjoyed it very much. My husband is a beekeeper, so I have enjoyed learning about bees, but in a format that is more enjoyable than a technical manual. Mr. Longgood has an easy manner of writing, the chapters are very short, so I can read and learn a little at a time as suits my schedule. I think anyone who enjoys learning will find this book insightful.

This delightful book was the inspiration I needed in deciding to take up the hobby of beekeeping. Mr. Longood has a kind way of bringing the yearly life of beekeeping to a warm and understandable level. I have taught beginer introductory beekeeping courses, and require this book as course reading.
As former president of the Maine State Beekeepers Association,and a beekeeper for nearly 20 years, I highly recommend this fine, delightful book.

A splendid first-person account of discovering beekeeping and other beautiful secrets of the natural world. Longgood speculates and dreams as effectively as he observes and deduces. Great reading for anyone who loves the natural world and the processes we so often neglect.