Robbing the Bees: A Biography of Honey by Holley Bishop is a fascinating journey through the history, science, culture, and irresistible allure of one of nature’s oldest treasures: honey.
 
For thousands of years, humans have revered bees and the remarkable food they produce. Honey has served as food, medicine, preservative, sacred offering, and the foundation of mead—one of civilization’s earliest intoxicating drinks.

From ancient Egypt and Aristotle to modern beekeeping, Bishop explores our enduring relationship with bees, beehives, and honey.
 
At the heart of the book is Bishop’s apprenticeship with professional beekeeper Donald Smiley, who harvests prized tupelo honey from hundreds of hives in the Florida Panhandle. Through his work—and Bishop’s own experiences as a beekeeper—readers discover the fascinating lives of honeybees, the craft of beekeeping, and the extraordinary varieties of honey, each shaped by its flowers and landscape much like wine reflects its terroir.
 
Part history, part science, part memoir, and part love letter to bees, Robbing the Bees brings together captivating stories, historical insights, beekeeping lore, illustrations, and recipes.

It is an engaging read for bee lovers, beekeepers, honey enthusiasts, food lovers, gardeners, naturalists, and anyone fascinated by the essential relationship between humans and bees.

Author: Holley Bishop. Publisher: FREE PRESS / Simon Shuster. Copyright 2005. Pages: 323. Hardback. Gently Pre-owned.