Join Darvill’s Bookstore in welcoming Thor Hanson for a reading and talk about his new book “Buzz: The Nature and Necessity of Bees” from 7–8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11 at Emmanuel Parish Hall.

This lively and informative book takes readers on a tour of the natural and cultural history of bees. While we might overlook them, they lie at the heart of relationships that bind the human and natural worlds.

In “Buzz,” author and biologist Hanson takes readers 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 humanity’s harvests, mythologies and very existence. They’ve given sweetness and light, the beauty of flowers, and as much as 1/3 of the foodstuffs humans eat. And, alarmingly, they are at risk of disappearing.

Reception and book signing will follow.