Famous for classic adventure novels such as The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas is one of the most popular French authors of all time. Set in the Netherlands during the 17th century, The Black Tulip follows young bourgeoisie Cornelius van Baerle as he attempts to claim the prize set by the city of Haarlem for growing the rare black tulip. On the cusp of victory, Cornelius is instead tossed into prison, where he meets the prison guard's daughter and begins a relationship that may eventually lead to his rescue.
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"As a child I loved this unreservedly, although I didn't really grasp the political elements of the plot. I had never seen a tulip, and was amazed and little frightened at the idea that so much desire, envy and treachery could develop over a flower. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the adventure and liked the love story too, although Cornelius didn't seem very heroic to me."
— Hazel (4 out of 5 stars)
" This was a pretty fun read. "
— Anissa, 2/9/2014" An amazing story about something so simple as a black tulip (well not that simple considering there are no black tulips) "
— Marcelitap, 2/4/2014" This is was the 1st work of fiction I read as a young adult. It will always have a special place in my heart. "
— Cima, 2/1/2014" Good Dumas, which is a very good thing indeed. "
— David, 1/30/2014" I am pretty sure this was the book I read in college after taking up horticulture as a major. I really liked it which was huge, because I was not much of a reader back then. My professor John Griffin recommended it. "
— Cathy, 1/29/2014" Aspettando di leggere la versione integrale per dare un miglior giudizio. "
— Elisa, 1/19/2014" I love the way that Alexandre Dumas weaves together so manny plot elements in this book. All his books are amazing! He keeps you guessing but gives you clues as to where things will end up. I really like historical fiction like this too since I feel like I get just a little glimpse of what life may have been like for the French at this time in history. "
— Debi, 1/17/2014" I learned more about Denmark which is land of my maiden name. I learned about tulips and I learned that once upon a time they were called pickled cucumbers not pickles. "
— Jessiane, 1/17/2014" Dumas is the master of storytelling. Yes, The Black Tulip is just the least bit contrived. And it was obviously written to be read as a serial, and by adolescents. But it's still charming, adventurous, a cliff-hanger. And sweet. The good guys get rewarded, the bad guys die. The Prince repents his hasty decisions. I loved it! "
— Kate, 1/17/2014" Aspettando di leggere la versione integrale per dare un miglior giudizio. "
— Elisa, 1/12/2014" This was an interesting book and not at all like his musketeers novels. It might not be to everybodies tastes but well worth the read. "
— Wendy, 1/12/2014" I am pretty sure this was the book I read in college after taking up horticulture as a major. I really liked it which was huge, because I was not much of a reader back then. My professor John Griffin recommended it. "
— Cathy, 12/31/2013" Me facino la trama donde esta maravillosa planta es la protagonista. "
— Max, 12/31/2013" Those who have suffered much, have a right to be happy. "
— Maya, 12/25/2013" The beginning of this book is an extremely violent political murder in Holland. However, that only provides the backdrop for the main theme, which is a love story. It was a very enjoyable read. "
— Krisette, 12/18/2013" There was a lot of history in this that made me feel smart while I was loving the story! Significantly shorter than his other works, so it wasn't as much of a commitment "
— Janet, 12/9/2013" The first several chapters took a long time to get through for various reasons. There is a lot of history and some gore. After that, it is a nice mystery romance set in the 1600's. I enjoyed the book. "
— Vicki, 12/6/2013" a real snooze-fest compared to the illustrious and every gripping and suspenseful "count of monte cristo." I just listened to it on walks and while there were a couple gripping passages about the passion of tulips, the rest was rather trite. "
— Julie, 11/29/2013" I read this book when I was 10 years old. It is strange that I know that I like this book but I can't recall most of the story. So I was in a dilemma to mark this as read or to-read. "
— Anuradha, 11/25/2013" Rather slow in the beginning, but wonderfully dramatic in the middle! "
— Kailey, 11/25/2013" Very interesting back story and setting, but except for William of Orange, characters flat. Decent yarn; most notable for its examination of political and moral ambiguities. "
— Cindy, 11/22/2013" One of the only books my dad has ever read. He hates reading. I blame this book. "
— Jit, 10/27/2013" Good Dumas, which is a very good thing indeed. "
— David, 10/16/2013" I read this for my ward book group. It's not nearly as good as the count of monte cristo, but its an easier read. Good characters a little love and some history. "
— Tiffany, 10/6/2013" Fun, short Dumas piece concerning an unfaily imprisoned man's attempt to cultivate the elusive black tulip. "
— Brenna, 9/20/2013" I used to love Dumas' books "
— baran, 8/27/2013" I liked the story, thought the characters a little flat, but would recommend as a place to start with Dumas if his longer books intimidate at all! "
— Tawn, 8/1/2013" learned a lot about black tulips, ppl obsessed w/flowers. quick read, fun. this translation in particular was good, not convoluted. "
— Sarah, 7/21/2013" Not Dumas' best...maybe it was just the translation. Would make a great kids' movie. "
— Bonnie, 6/4/2013" Slow beginning despite the violence but I got into it and Really enjoyed it! Still not a speed read though. "
— Mary, 5/29/2013" I actually liked this book...didn't love it, but liked it. Hard to explain because there are so many things going on, but it's worth the read and it took me two days! "
— Adriana, 5/5/2013" Slow beginning despite the violence but I got into it and Really enjoyed it! Still not a speed read though. "
— Mary, 3/18/2013" Interesting story of the trials the people responsible for developing the dark tulip experienced - the betrayals and deception from those who wanted to take away the credit even to the point of killing to get it. The book is also available in English. "
— Josy, 11/12/2012" I really enjoyed this small but action packed book. It was full of action, intrigue, legal injustices and love of gardening! I really got a sense of the period and the political ructions which set the scene at the start. Definitely to be recommended. "
— Angie, 11/3/2012" Awww MAN! Now I want to grow some tulips. "
— Laura, 3/11/2012" I thought the main character, Cornelius was kind of a dope. Rosa was kind of awesome--I feel like she could have done better "
— Kiersten, 10/8/2011" The Black Tulip was a fast, fun read. I liked it very much. "
— Meg, 9/22/2011" The Black Tulip has one of the most silly plots imaginable, but it is so wonderfully written that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Without a doubt, this was my least favorite of Dumas's books, but not equaling The Count of Monte Cristo or The Three Musketeers is hardly a severe critique. "
— Todd, 8/12/2011" Un bon roman, certes dés fois lent, mais amusant.<br/>L'événement qui amorce le roman "Les aventures incroyables de Till Uhlenspiegel et Lamme Goedsak" a peut être été inspiré de Dumas.<br/> "
— Ivan, 8/12/2011" I loved this book! The first chapter was a little difficult to get through but after that I couldn't stop reading it! "
— Melissa, 8/3/2011" This story starts out kind of slow and rambling, but picks up speed gradually as the villan appears. Near the end it really starts to roll. "
— Curtis, 7/24/2011" Awww MAN! Now I want to grow some tulips. "
— Laura, 6/20/2011" Awww MAN! Now I want to grow some tulips. "
— Laura, 6/20/2011" Very interesting back story and setting, but except for William of Orange, characters flat. Decent yarn; most notable for its examination of political and moral ambiguities. "
— Cindy, 5/30/2011" Take the Count Saint-Hermine, from Dumas's novel about the same, give him an obsession and make him somewhat interesting, then toss in Constance from the Three Musketeers as well as some Dutch political intrigue, and you have The Black Tulip. All in all, classic Dumas and a fast and good read. "
— Stefanie, 5/30/2011" I guess this book is not a children's book, since it is extremely violent and scary. But I have read it as a child and again as an adult, both times found it troubling... but beautiful. Very recomended - but keep an eye on the kids just in case.. They might have questions. "
— Guy, 5/8/2011" I listened to this book via MP3 while commuting to work. "
— Fred, 4/17/2011" a real snooze-fest compared to the illustrious and every gripping and suspenseful "count of monte cristo." I just listened to it on walks and while there were a couple gripping passages about the passion of tulips, the rest was rather trite. "
— Julie, 4/8/2011" Forgot the magic of Dumas. A great adventure story....around a flower! "
— Bill, 3/30/2011" The beginning of this book is an extremely violent political murder in Holland. However, that only provides the backdrop for the main theme, which is a love story. It was a very enjoyable read. "
— Krisette, 3/5/2011" Ever heard of the Dutch Tulip Craze? This book was fascinating! "
— Sara, 2/20/2011" Those who have suffered much, have a right to be happy. "
— Maya, 2/13/2011" A gruesome start to an otherwise good adventure + love story. A quick read. "
— Kirsten, 1/30/2011" I really enjoyed this small but action packed book. It was full of action, intrigue, legal injustices and love of gardening! I really got a sense of the period and the political ructions which set the scene at the start. Definitely to be recommended. "
— Angie, 7/4/2009Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870), French novelist and playwright, was one of the most famous and prolific French writers of the nineteenth century, producing some 250 books. He is best known for his historical novels The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, and he was among the first authors to fully exploit the possibilities of the serial novel. He is credited with revitalizing the historical novel in France. His riveting, fast-paced adventure tales that blend history and fiction have been adapted into nearly 200 films. His last unfinished last novel, The Last Cavalier, lost to historians for 125 years, was completed in 2005 and quickly became a best seller.
Jonathan Fried is an actor best known for his roles in the films Kate & Leopold and B*A*P*S. He has also starred on episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Alpha House, Person of Interest, and others.