120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Come visit us this weekend! Auckland Bookstore open 8:30am-5:00pm Sat & Sun 🎉

The Black Tulip

By Alexandre Dumas
Penguin Classics
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.85 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 23,028 ratings, 1,888 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas follows the quest of Cornelius van Baerle, a devoted horticulturist, to cultivate a rare black tulip amidst political turmoil and personal betrayal in 17th-century Holland. With a cash prize at stake for the first black tulip, the story intricately weaves themes of ambition, love, and rivalry, while offering a vivid glimpse into Dutch history. This novel captures both the beauty of botanical pursuit and the complexity of human motivations.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2800
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy historical fiction imbued with intrigue and adventure, you may find this book captivating. Set against the backdrop of the Tulip Mania in 17th-century Netherlands, it weaves a tale of romance, rivalry, and the pursuit of a rare black tulip. Dumas' masterful storytelling offers a blend of historical detail and rich character development that may appeal to fans of thrilling narratives.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Set at the height of the "tulipomania" that gripped Holland in the 17th century, this is the story of Cornelius van Baerle, a humble grower whose sole desire is to grow the perfect specimen of the tulip negra.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Set at the height of the tulipomania that gripped Holland in the 17th century, this is the story of Cornelius van Baerle, a humble grower whose sole desire is to grow the perfect specimen of the tulip negra.

When his godfather is murdered, Cornelius finds himself caught up in the deadly politics of the time, imprisoned and facing a death sentence. His jailor's daughter, Rosa, holds both the key to his survival and his chance to produce the ultimate tulip.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas weaves a captivating tale set in 17th century Holland, blending historical accuracy with the passion of horticulture and rivalries. Readers often praise Dumas for the engaging plot and vivid portrayal of events surrounding the famed tulip mania, emphasising the novel's romantic and adventurous elements that keep them turning pages. The story's intrigue and drama are highlighted as quintessential Dumas, making it a cherished piece among fans of his work.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140448924

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 April 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Robin Buss

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 215g

Pages: 288

Collections

Alexandre Dumas Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction

About the Author

Alexandre Dumas (1824-95) was a pioneer of the Romantic theatre in France, for which he wrote a series of colourful historical dramas, although it is as a novelist that he is best known today. His works include The Three Musketeers (1844-5), La Reine Margot (1845) and The Count of Monte Cristo (1844-5). Robin Buss is a journalist and translator. For Penguin, his translations include works by Sartre, Zola and, most recently, The Plague by Camus.

Also by Alexandre Dumas

View all
  • The Count of Monte Cristo
    Beautiful new clothbound edition of Dumas's classic novel of wrongful imprisonment, adventure, and revenge. Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantès is confined to the grim fortress of the Château d'If. There, he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and becomes determined not only to escape but...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    20% off
    The Count of Monte Cristo
    The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is an enduring masterpiece of adventure and retribution that entices readers into the world of the early 19th century. Set against the vivid backdrop of post-Napoleonic France, the story follows Edmond Dantès, a young and promising sailor, whose life takes a cruel turn when he is falsely accused of treason. Betrayed by...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Hardback
    $1600
    Usually:
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Count of Monte Cristo
    Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantes is confined to the grim fortress of If. There, he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and becomes determined not only to escape but to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three men responsible...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Paperback
    $4600
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Three Musketeers
    The Three Musketeers, an enthralling tale of valour, intrigue, and brotherhood, penned by Alexandre Dumas and newly translated by Richard Pevear, takes readers on a captivating journey through 17th-century France. The story follows the spirited young Gascon, D'Artagnan, who arrives in Paris with dreams of joining the King's illustrious Musketeers. Upon his arrival, D'Artagnan's fiery temper and unyielding sense of...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Three Musketeers
    The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas is an enduring classic that has captivated readers for over a century and a half. This swashbuckling epic of chivalry, honour, and daring exploits is set in France during the tumultuous 1620s. The novel follows the impetuous young d'Artagnan, who leaves his home in Gascony to join the revered Musketeers of the Guard. Upon...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Hardback
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Count of Monte Cristo
    New Release
    The Count of Monte Cristo
    Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantes is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo, and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to unearth the treasure and use it to plot the destruction of the three...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Hardback
    $5999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Tale of the Nutcracker
    Discover our collectable Puffin Clothbound Classic edition of The Tale of the Nutcracker. Puffin Clothbound Classics are stunning collectable hardback editions of some of the best-loved classics in the world - including this charming edition of The Tale of the Nutcracker. Enter a world of magic and enchantment with Dumas's timeless adaptation of the Nutcracker story. 'You foolish child, how...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Hardback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Three Musketeers
    'God's teeth!' Unfailingly exciting and a complete joy to read, this new translation of The Three Musketeers is published to coincide with the lavish BBC adaptation to be aired this month. The young D'Artagnan and the legendary musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are 'the inseparables' - ready to sacrifice everything in a duel or game of dice in order to...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Three Musketeers
    VINTAGE CLASSICS FRENCH SERIES - stunning flapped paperback editions showcasing the bestselling, most acclaimed French writers of the twentieth century. All for one, and one for all! The young D'Artagnan and the legendary musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are 'the inseparables' - ready to sacrifice everything in a duel or game of dice in order to defend their honour or...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Count of Monte Cristo
    Dumas is a master of ripping yarns full of fearless heroes, poisonous ladies and swashbuckling adventurers. The Guardian As seen on Write Around the World with Richard E. Grant A brilliant story of intrigue, retribution, revenge and redemption. Imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit, Edmond Dantès spends fourteen bitter years in a dungeon. When his daring escape plan works,...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Paperback
    $2600
    (1)
    Backorder
    Ships mid September
  • The Three Musketeers
    The Three Musketeers
    The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas is a swashbuckling classic that follows the daring adventures of d'Artagnan and the legendary trio: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Set against the vibrant backdrop of seventeenth-century France, this tale of honour, intrigue, swordplay, and political conspiracy captures the essence of friendship, loyalty, and courage. Dive into danger, duty, and dazzling swordplay. Explore a richly...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Hardback
    $6200
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Count of Monte Cristo
    Pre-order
    The Count of Monte Cristo
    The unforgettable story of Edmond Dantes is a masterpiece of literature that has remained popular with readers for nearly two centuries. From best-selling author Alexandre Dumas—who also wrote The Three Musketeers—comes the epic tale of Edmond Dantes, wrongly imprisoned for fourteen years, kept from the woman he loved, and unjustly denied the life they had planned. His revenge on the...
    By Alexandre Dumas
    Hardback
    $4999
    Elsewhere:
    $5999
    Pre-order
    Out 27 Oct 2026

More from General Fiction

View all
  • The Wedding People
    'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people — but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...
    By Alison Espach
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Lizzy's Pick Lizzy's Pick
    Yesteryear
    A BOLD AND BITING SATIRE. WILL HAVE YOU GASPING TO THE FINAL PAGE — Nita Prose WICKEDLY FUNNY, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FRIGHTENINGLY PERCEPTIVE — Abigail Dean INVENTIVE, ADDICTIVE, A WILD RIDE — Ashley Audrain SHOT THROUGH WITH HUMOUR AND LACED WITH DARKNESS — Clare Mackintosh The Stepford Wives meets The Handmaid's Tale — Hannah Deitch My name was Natalie Heller...
    By Caro Claire Burke
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Fourth Wing
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NUMBER ONE GLOBAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON! DON'T MISS OUT ON THE SERIES THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT: 'This book contains an addictive, drug-like essence that will make you relinquish all responsibility until the very last word. Do not say I didn't warn you' Glamour 'I didn't sleep, I didn't eat, and when I finished, I...
    By Rebecca Yarros
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Iron Flame
    The instant number one Sunday Times bestseller and thrilling sequel to the global phenomenon, Fourth Wing! DON'T BE THE LAST TO DISCOVER THE SERIES THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT: 'Yarros is the true inheritor of Harry Potter and inspires Hunger Games levels of devotion' Guardian 'Fear not, levels of fighting, rebelliousness and all-round sexiness are still sky-high' Daily Mail...
    By Rebecca Yarros
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    Join Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Princess Donut as they fight fantastical creatures and deadly mobs in the second book in the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl series -now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition Now on the third floor, Carl and Donut have to fight harder than ever. They've already proven that a Coast Guard vet and once-and-forever...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Hardback
    $4699
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    Theo of Golden
    THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.' One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from…His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance –...
    By Allen Levi
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3499
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses
    The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan – Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism – The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Gate of the Feral Gods
    The fourth book in the explosive LitRPG Dungeon Crawler Carl series New Achievement! Total, Utter Failure.You failed a quest less than five minutes after you received it. Now that's talent. Surviving in a multilevel dungeon that also happens to be the set of the galaxy's most watched game show has taught Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Hardback
    $6000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook
    Carl and Princess Donut have to team up with other contestants to not just survive, but to solve a deadly puzzle in this third, mind-twisting novel in the addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series -now with bonus material exclusive to this print edition! Carl and Donut have survived so far, but this fourth level is unlike anything they could imagine. The...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Hardback
    $4700
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Dungeon Crawler Carl
    The apocalypse will be televised! Welcome to the first book in the wildly popular and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman-now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition! You know what's worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what's worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    New Release
    Carl's Doomsday Scenario
    Join Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Princess Donut as they fight fantastical creatures and deadly mobs in the second book in the smash-hit Dungeon Crawler Carl series—now with bonus material exclusive to the print edition. Now on the third floor, Carl and Donut have to fight harder than ever. They've already proven that a Coast Guard vet and once-and-forever feline...
    By Matt Dinniman
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Silver Flames
    The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

General Fiction lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all