The Beekeeper's Handbook

The definitive single-volume guide to beekeeping, now in its fifth edition. Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile built this book to serve as both a first introduction and a lifelong reference, and it succeeds at both.

Why Start Here

This is not just the best book by Sammataro; it is the best first beekeeping book, period. The fifth edition (2021) covers everything from choosing a hive location and assembling equipment to managing colonies through all seasons, controlling Varroa mites, and harvesting honey. The hand-drawn diagrams are exceptionally clear, and the tone is practical without being dry. Beekeeping courses across America use this as their primary text, and experienced beekeepers still recommend it first.

What to Expect

A comprehensive, well-organized reference at 368 pages. Covers bee biology, seasonal management, pest and disease control, queen management, honey extraction, and beeswax processing. The kind of book you read once before getting bees, then keep next to your hive tools for years.