As a newcomer to keeping bees I've found it invaluable - it's well-written, and explains everything needed to make a start with natural beekeeping - Phil Chandler is to be congratulated on what I'm sure is already heading for being one of the classic books on beekeeping. Along with the book comes the excellent website and forum, so if you do have a query there's a free and friendly advisory panel on call on the 'net 24/7,
365 days a year.
Very highly recommended

There is a lot of information on the web about beekeeping with top-bar hives and sustainable beekeeping in general, but it is scattered and often conflicting. The Barefoot Beekeeper, by PJ Chandler concisely maps out precisely how to keep bees in a top-bar hive and do it with minimal or even without chemicals -- a gentler approach to beekeeping.

For context he includes a great introduction to the history of beekeeping, past and present, to include the evolution of the beehive itself. Interesting and engaging stuff.

Be sure to visit the author's website, www.biobees.com, and download the free instructions on building his version of a top-bar hive. For whatever reason he did not include those instructions in the book, but they are available for free anyway from his website.

I am a beekeeper with quite a few beekeeping books. This is a really well written book that would complement the bookshelf of any beekeeper. Highly recommended.

-Todd Warner, The Carolina Bee Company