The Black Tulip

A historical novel set in the Dutch Republic in the 1670s, in a time of political violence. Cornelius van Baerle is a quiet, gentle tulip grower who wants only to produce a legendary black tulip and win a large prize offered for it. His godfather's political enemies, and a jealous neighbour who is also a rival grower, bring trouble into his life.

Beautifully paced and more intimate than Dumas's great swashbucklers, the book combines suspense, a love story and a gentle portrait of devotion to a craft, set against the real turmoil of Dutch history.