The Black Tulip

Who would have thought that a book, with a simple plot about two rivals trying racing to be the first to grow a black tulip, could be so unputdownable? There are no lords and ladies, no swashbuckling heros, no evil cardinals or Miladys -- nothing but a darn good yarn, and a very sweet love story. Dumas is just brilliant (as always) and his dialogue (as always) is among the finest I've ever come across. A very quick, albeit enjoyable, read. Highly recommended.

While The Black Tulip lacks the swashbuckling, derring-do adventures of the other Dumas novels I have read, it is every bit as enjoyable to read. Beginning with the arrest of two brothers, deemed traitors to the throne, Dumas Holland-based story at least begins with as strong a conflict as his other more action-laced novels. But the story, while shifting focus to the Godson of one of the men arrested, concerns his passion and pursuit of the highly coveted black tulip, a strain of Holland's most popular horticultural export. Cornelius van Baerle, a man of comfortable means, is little concerned with his wealth, or with position; or at all suspicious of the papers left in his care by his Godfather prior to his arrest. M. van Baerle has but one pursuit, one goal, and one dream...to produce a flawless, rare black tulip. Thus his downfall, as an avaricious neighbor,Isaac Boxtel, shares this dream, but for entirely different reasons. While Cornelius van Baerle cares not for the riches and fame associated with growing such a flower, Boxtel covets both and plots to eliminate his competition and abscond with the delicate blossom which will net him one hundred thousand florins, more than enough to live like the King himself. M. van Baerle is, therefore, convicted of treason when Boxtel reveals the existence of the papers of va Baerle's godfather to the authorities, and M. van Baerle finds himself on the wrong side of prison bars. However, the appearance of an unexpected love awakens passions in Cornelius to rival those he feels for the black tulip, and ignites a desire in him to share the possible wealth associated with the flower, simply to assure it's development and care. Thus, the race is on to plant, grow, and deliver the black tulip to the Horticultural Society. Dumas' writing skills are in fine form with this shorter novel, sparing none of the humor, grace, and elegance of other works of his I have indulged in. And while foils are left in scabbards, no plots to overthrow a corrupt Cardinal materialize, and revenge is not sought against the bad-guys...this novel is every bit as exciting. A fine way to experience one of France's most prolific historical authors for the first time, or to further explore his catalogue of works.

In "The Black Tulip", Alexandre Dumas proves again his ability to mix adventure and romance to create an exciting and romantic tale. Although Dumas may have distorted history significantly in this story, the image of late 17th century Holland which he presents is accurate and vivid enough to give the reader a lasting impression of society and culture in this period. The execution of Jann and Cornelius De Witte and the romance between Van Baerle and Rosa are portrayed with such detail that readers are not likely to forget this book. I strongly recommend this tale to any who love adventure, history and romance.

Yes, William of Orange is very much like the Cardinal in The Three Musketeers. I read a novel on Alexandre Dumas called The King of Paris. This novel claims he was often accused of publishing other people's works. He did this just to get them published under the Dumas name. However, this book called The Black Tulip was written by no one other than Dumas. The Dumas' were decendants of French Huguenots as were the DeWitt(e)s. Many persecuted Calvinist families fled France to the low countries (Holland). Dumas' interest in my ancestry compelled him to write a historical novel using true events. It is said that this was not a case where Catholics persecuted the Protestants, but two Calvinist parties in a conflict. The House of Orange fought to remain under monarchy rule while the DeWitts fought to advocate a free republic. It is also said that the man accused of causing this rioting mob, was later paid a royal pension. We DeWitts dropped the e, it was silent anyways. Our reunions claim a common ancestor named Tjerck C. DeWitt was a first cousin to Johan and Cornelious. Tjerck's father was Nicholas and he had a brother Jacob. Jacob was the father of the two brother DeWitts hacked to pieces in August of 1672. Now, the French Philosopher Voltaire used the two brother DeWitts in his writings. Once in explaining a doctorine of Hell. Perhaps Dumas, the ornry cus, was simply trying to outdo Voltaire. Mr. Dumas was a great philosopher, protestant and man to me.

This is a wonderful story about the 'tulipmania' of the 1600's and also a staggering look at the violence and chaos of the time. It's central character is young Doctor Cornelius Van Baerle, who is as happy as can be in his own little world of growing tulips and inventing new colors for the flower. He thinks himself void of all enemies, but of course, we know better. There is then an announcement that says that anyone who invents the Black Tulip first, wins a huge monetary award and the recognition the new flower will bring to the winner. This sends all tulips-fanciers everywhere into frantic competiton to see who can grow the Grand Black Tulip. Then, as Cornelius finally perfects his Black Tulip, he is suddenly arrested and sentenced to be executed as an accomplice to the 'traitors' John and Cornelius De Witte. I thought this story was very exciting and though you might think a story that focuses on a flower is strange, if anything, it adds to the charm. There are very interesing characters who are clever and endearing, and whom you care about. I recommend this book to all Dumas fans, adventure lovers, romanticists, and even florists, if you like