The Beekeeper's Handbook

Widely considered the gold standard for beginner-to-intermediate beekeepers. "The Beekeeper's Handbook" by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile (5th edition, Cornell University Press) covers every stage from setting up an apiary to harvesting honey, with roughly 100 detailed illustrations. Chapters walk through bee biology, seasonal colony management, queen rearing, pest and disease control using green IPM techniques, and hive products like honey, wax, and propolis. Updated sections address modern challenges including Varroa mite detection, Colony Collapse Disorder, and mite-tolerant stock selection. A must-have reference to keep on the shelf all season long.