The complex and wonderful organisation of the honeybee has fascinated many naturalists and writers, but the New Naturalist is fortunate in securing for its library what is undoubtedly one of the finest and most comprehensive treatises on the subject. For many years head of the Entomology Department at Rothamsted, Dr Butler's own discoveries (particularly the existence of "queen substance") are truly remarkable, and readers will find the mysteries of bee life wonderfully illuminated by the simple and compelling manner in which he marshals his facts and theories. Skilfully woven into the book are the results of the work of others - such as that of von Frisch on the orientation of bees, and the almost incredible way in which information is conveyed about the distance and direction of food sources, by beautiful and extraordinary dances. The copious illustrations are all taken by the author and are marvels of close-up photography. This is a book of tremendous interest not only for the bee-keeper and entomologist, but for all students of natural history in general. Fully revised and up-dated, this new edition contains the finding of latest research, including the discovery of the sex attractant released by the queen and its function; and exactly how the piping sounds made by the emerging queen are produced.