Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read. This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter. - Reading time of the complete text: about 7 hours - Reading time of the summarized text: 26 minutes "The Black Tulip" is a historical novel and work of Romantic poetry written by Alexandre Dumas, père, and published in 1850. The story is set in 1672 during the tulip mania in the Netherlands. The protagonist, Cornelius Van Baerle, a tulip-fancier, takes on the challenge of growing a black tulip to win a prize and gain fame. However, his neighbor, Isaac Boxtel, plots against him out of envy and denounces him to the authorities. Van Baerle is arrested, sentenced to life in prison, and meets the jailer's daughter, Rosa Gryphus. Despite his hardships, Van Baerle finds solace in growing the tulip with Rosa's help. The novel explores themes of love, revenge, and faith. It received mixed reception, with some finding it charming but overly long. "The Black Tulip" has been adapted into films, miniseries, and a musical.