Baker, a BBC TV food historian and experienced beekeeper, offers a succinct and visually rich overview of the beekeeping art for the honeybee enthusiast. While not attempting to write a comprehensive how-to guide, he describes the types and functions of bees, mechanics of honey production, the life cycle of a colony, and health issues of bees. He also lays out an annual beekeeping calendar and explores the practicalities of equipment, hive siting, and honey harvesting techniques. Baker, clearly an admirer of bees, fills his book with engaging photographs and references to beekeeping tradition and history. He includes a final chapter on bee-friendly plants for those who choose to support bees without the commitment to keeping them. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)