This fascinating and comprehensive book explores the bee's place in human society from prehistoric cave paintings and inscribed clay tablets through to our contemporary world a cabinet whose drawers are filled with nuggets of bee science and practical beekeeping, myth, religion, politics, philosophy and folklore. There is a selection of verse and a rich variety of illustrations ranging from Old Masters and scientific etchings to modern photographs. An in-depth look at bees' complex society and their present plight, the ongoing political and scientific to and fro regarding pesticides and other threats are also discussed, given the bee's importance as plant pollinator in agriculture and the wild. AUTHOR Elizabeth Birchall has long been interested in bee lore and mythology. She was born in Newark on Trent and has had a wide and varied life from joining the Fleet Air Arm as a Wren aircraft mechanic, practising social worker and manager for various local authorities, interspersed SELLING POINTS An intriguing look at bees from prehistoric cave paintings and myths through to our contemporary world and the bee's fragile survival in an increasingly detrimental environment Thematic chapters draw from classical, mediaeval and modern literature on beekeeping The often extravagant history of hive design is covered The therapeutic potential of bee products, the insect's sensory perceptions and how their abilities might assist mankind in space exploration and landmine detection are discussed Aimed at beekeepers and any lay person interested in nature, or these particular strands of science, human culture and rare illustrations Beautifully illustrated throughout with paintings by Old Masters, scientific etchings and modern photographs Colour photos, etchings and illustrations