Tulip Facts explores the world of tulips, connecting biology, economics, and horticulture. It reveals how a single flower became a cultural icon and an object of intense economic speculation. Readers will discover that tulips boast surprising genetic diversity, leading to a wide array of colors and forms, and that during the Dutch Golden Age, single bulbs commanded prices exceeding those of houses.
The book delves into the infamous “Tulip Mania,” dissecting the economic factors that fueled this speculative bubble. It also details the science behind cultivating tulips, guiding readers from bulb selection to achieving optimal blooms. Each chapter builds upon the last, starting with the tulip's botanical characteristics, then moving into its historical economic impact, and culminating in modern cultivation techniques. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of science, economics and culture.
The book's unique value lies in its interdisciplinary approach, drawing from botanical research, economic records, and horticultural studies to present a comprehensive understanding of the tulip. It illustrates how the study of plant science and life sciences can inform our understanding of economic history and cultural phenomena.
