Claire Preston
Reaktion Books, London
2006; 206 pp.
Price: $19.95 (softcover)
ISBN-10:1 86189 256 X

Bee deals with bees not in the traditional biological or agricultural contexts entomologists usually encounter, but as objects of art, architecture, and music, and as political, religious, and cultural symbols. Although entomologists will enjoy reading this fascinating little book, it is, as Preston asserts, part of a “recent explosion of bee books for the layman in the past twenty years.” Through 11 chapters with clever titles such as “Kept Bee,” “Political Bee,” and “Bee Movie,” this book traces cultural and historical uses of the bee (primarily the European honey bee, Apis mellifera) as a symbol from ancient times through the recent Hollywood obsession of death by mass envenomation. Preston relates each cultural phenomenon within the context of the biology of the bee (or what was believed to be the biology of the bee at the time, which is often more interesting). The pictures and print quality are excellent, and the book is packed with little gems, including short quotes that start each chapter and 117 illustrations and photographs. The text is followed by a “Timeline of the Bee” and (for further diversion) endnotes that include references and comments.
The chapter on bee biology is rather simplified and intended to highlight the biology underlying the cultural perspectives that Preston later addresses. Although the treatment of honey bee biology is generally accurate, in a few spots biological inaccuracies are found, for example, the statement that “drone bee[s]… are the queen’s offspring, but their single function is to mate with her,” implies an incestuous behavior that is in reality disastrous for the offspring. The following chapter, “Kept Bee,” on the history of beekeeping, is likewise brief and no substitute for reading the work of Eva Crane (1999). As with the chapter on biology, “Kept Bee” prepares the reader for the rest of the book and is not an exhaustive treatise on the history or practice of beekeeping, both of which are beyond the scope of this book. The strength of Bee lies in the remaining chapters, which detail the history of the honey bee in politics, religion, art, folklore, and entertainment.
From Vergil’s democratic bees with elected (male) leaders to the role of bee imagery in Socialist Russia, Preston deftly presents the bee in politics where its social nature and perceived altruism have been co-opted for millennia. Perhaps the title for “Political Bee” would have been better as “Propagandist Bee,” given the propensity of humans to misrepresent bee biology for political ends. The co-opting of honey bees for democratic propaganda during the American and French Revolutions was particularly interesting, especially juxtaposed to the royalist view of bees as an unruly rabble no longer subject (as nature intended) to the monarchy.
Of course, the misuse of the bee as a religious symbol was equally profound; bees were used to promote civility, modesty (they hide their beautiful honeycomb from view in hives), and, ironically, chastity (given the honey bee’s extreme polyandry). Several creation myths surrounding the bee are noted, but unfortunately the only one given any detail is the genesis of bees from the carcasses of animals, which as the author states, appears repeatedly in literature from the ancient to the modern era. The use of bees in art, architecture, music, and popular culture is detailed in several chapters that highlight some of the major occurrences of bee-inspired creations.  A chapter titled “Bee Movie” should provide some ideas and talking points for entomologists trying to choose next year’s cult film showing or discussing entomology in popular culture.
Throughout the book, the narrative is accompanied with excellent illustrations and photographs, which are best appreciated in the discussion of bees and their products as art. The illustrations and photography are highlights of this book and Preston provides excellent explanations and interpretations of the pictures we see, including the historical context in which they were created.
Bee is an enjoyable read of the right size and depth for an airplane, beach blanket, or rainy Sunday, or for those times when you ought to be working but would rather be reading. For those who want to spice up lectures on social Hymenoptera with literary quotes, this book supplies abundant ideas without extended library visits.
On a final note, this book is part of a series of animal-based books that will include several other entomological offerings such as Ant and Fly, which are now in print, and Spider, which is “forthcoming.” Based on Bee, I am looking forward to perusing the whole series.

Reference Cited
Crane, E. 1999. The world history of beekeeping and honey hunting. Routledge. New York.

James Strange
Pollinating Insects Research Unit
USDA–ARS
Logan, UT, 84322
E-mail: James.Strange@ars.usda.gov

American Entomologist
 Vol. 55, No. 1, Spring 2009