Fascinating historical study of the Tulip and the passions it inspires. Covering its origins in Turkey, its veneration by Sultans, its dubious use as a food in the post-war period and its recent speculative revival in China, the book primarily focuses on the Dutch frenzy of the 1630's. These were not the everyday single-coloured flowers now so common, but delicate and varied blooms streaked by a mosaic virus. A virus which has now been eradicated.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 12 January 2002 ) |
