Set in Holland in the late 17th century, "The Black Tulip" is the story of Cornelius De Witt, a tulip grower who aspires to grow the elusive black tulip. Following the murder of his brother John De Witt, Cornelius is caught up in a web of political intrigue. In "The Black Tulip," Dumas masterfully weaves the historical events that surrounded Holland during the tulip-mania of the 17th century into a gripping political allegory.