The Black Tulip

It is a novel from 1850 the main character of which is Cornelius van Baerle - a Dutch tulip grower. He sets his goal to be growing a black tulip. If he manages to do so he may receive 100000 florins as a reward. The plot of the novel takes place in the Netherlands during the second half of the 17th century. The reader can take part in a cruel murder of brothers - John and Cornelius de Witt. Cornelius did not know the content of the documents and kept them in a drawer. His neighbor was Isaac Boxtel. After some time the tulip blooms. Boxtel steals the flower pot and heads down to Haarlem.Cornelius van Baerle is the protagonist of the discussed novel. When his godfather was murdered Cornelius started to become engaged in politics of his time. After some time he is imprisoned and even faces death sentence. The only key to his survival is his guardian''s daughter Rosa. He gets the opportunity of growing the best tulip.The discussed book is set in the exciting country of the Netherlands. The black tulip symbolizes human potential. The book in question takes the reader to the 17th century Netherlands. It was the place where the cultivation of tulips of all colors was one of favorite pastimes of the rich citizens. The beginning of the book is quite difficult for a modern reader. It has to be stated that if Black Tulip had been written today there would have been less discussion on the old Dutch politics.