john berry 4534 Posted February 10 I have just finished reading beekeeping in Xanadu by Julie Ryan. A fascinating book that I would recommend to anybody with an interest in New Zealand history and New Zealand beekeeping history in particular. It follows the life of the Haines Family through several generations and while initially there is not much about beekeeping towards the end there is almost nothing else. Most of the people mentioned in the book are one generation removed from me but I new a lot of them including Malcolm. A lot of the beekeeping history especially concerning tutu I knew to some degree but had no idea just how bad it was for some people and now have a much deeper understanding of why the generation before me have a deep and abiding suspicion of MPI and those that went before them. Beekeeping was a hard way to make a living. The book was first published in 2005 by little red hen. I have no idea of its availability and my copy was borrowed from my parents who certainly knew all the beekeepers. When I borrowed the book my mother told me of a trip they made up north to stay with Pat and Malcolm and how they were taken up the beach to dig Toheroa.. Reading this book reminds me that while times are a bit tough now we still have it pretty good. 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yesbut 5480 Posted February 10 Don't all rush in but ........https://www.trademe.co.nz/books/rare-collectable/nz-published/history/listing-1942655526.htm 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yesbut 5480 Posted February 10 I bought it. I'll let you know when I've finished with it... 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frazzledfozzle 6884 Posted February 11 4 hours ago, yesbut said: I bought it. I'll let you know when I've finished with it... Would love a read if you don’t mind doing a book circle @yesbut more than happy to pay for the privilege Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bron 2462 Posted February 11 Me too please, happy to pay postage, I read fast! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bighands 826 Posted February 11 Me as well.I do not mind paying postage also Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John T 92 Posted February 11 Don't all rush in, but the book is also available in the small number of libraries in this link. https://tepuna.on.worldcat.org/oclc/156767634 Perhaps you could try the interloan services? (If you don't want to wait for Yesbut's book.) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom sayn 1256 Posted February 11 i don't like reading much, but even me would read this. had once the pleasure to work for Malcolm for a week and he gave me a tour. very interesting man and beekeeper with a lot of old tricks up his sleeve. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
john berry 4534 Posted February 16 My wife has been reading this book and although she found it interesting she also said it was hard to follow and jumped around a fair bit. I may have overhyped it a bit but I still really recommend it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yesbut 5480 Posted February 16 Mine arrived in the post today... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yesbut 5480 Posted February 16 15 minutes ago, yesbut said: Mine arrived in the post today... And I open it to the frontispiece and what do I see ? "To Ian Berry from Julie Ryan " ... 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailabee 646 Posted February 27 Thank you @john berry, excellent read, really enjoyed the book, fastest I have got through one in a long time. The more we know of history the greater the chance of not repeating the mistakes. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frazzledfozzle 6884 Posted February 28 @yesbut kindly motorbike couriered his copy to our door my dad has snaffled it so won’t get a look in till he’s finished it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
