A superb natural and
cultural history of bees - the only such book to celebrate their full
diversity.

BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK



'Popular science at its most accessible: fun, fascinating and full of engaging pen portraits of the scientists and bee enthusiasts he meets in the course of his research' Melissa Harrison, Guardian



'A smooth and accessible account of the insects that provide a significant amount of what we eat, introducing their fascinating diversity of behaviour. A reminder of why bees are wonders that we must protect.' Matt Shardlow, BBC Wildlife



Bees are like oxygen: ubiquitous, essential, and, for the most part,
unseen. While we might overlook them, they lie at the heart of relationships
that bind the human and natural worlds.





In Buzz,
the award-winning author of Feathers and The Triumph
of Seeds takes us on a journey that begins 125 million years ago, when
a wasp first dared to feed pollen to its young.





From honeybees and
bumbles to lesser-known diggers, miners, leafcutters, and masons, bees have
long been central to our harvests, our mythologies, and our very existence.
They've given us sweetness and light, the beauty of flowers, and as much as a
third of the foodstuffs we eat. And, alarmingly, they are at risk of
disappearing.





As informative and
enchanting as the waggle dance of a honeybee, Buzz shows us
why all bees are wonders to celebrate and protect. Read this book and you'll
never overlook them again.

"Popular science at its most accessible: fun, fascinating and full of engaging pen portraits of the scientists and bee enthusiasts he meets in the course of his research" - Guardian

"Hanson presents a smooth and accessible account of the insects that provide a significant amount of what we eat, introducing their fascinating diversity of behaviour. A reminder of why bees are wonders that we must protect." - BBC Wildlife

"Buzz is a must-read for anyone with an inkling of an interest in the natural history of bees. Thor Hanson tells the story of bees, right from the beginning, from their evolution to how ancient civilizations recognised their importance to become honey hunters and beekeepers. The book goes well beyond the story of honeybees though, accounting for the lives of a multitude of species from bumblebees to leaf-cutters, and the hugely important role they play in pollinating our crops and wildflowers. Eloquent and captivating throughout, Hanson writes in a way which is accessible for all; his appendices, notes and glossary provide more detailed information and are as highly recommended as the main text." - Bumblebee Conservation Trust

"Thoroughly absorbing and entertaining" - Country Life

"This delightful and informative book is crammed with a wealth of fascinating information about bees ... Everyone, from bee fans and nonspecialists, to hobbyist beekeepers and professional entomologists, will learn something about the bees from this satisfying book." - Forbes

"Illuminating and inspiring" - Francis Wheen, Mail on Sunday, Books of the Year