Tulipomania by Mike Dash

Tulipomania by Mike Dash

This book came out in 2000, and the subtitle is The Story of the World’s Most Coveted Flower and the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused.

Tulipomania by Mike Dash isn't your average history book. It's a captivating tale of tulips, obsession, and the world's first futures market crash. Published in 2000, the book delves into the fascinating story of how a flower, the tulip, became the center of a financial frenzy in 17th-century Holland.

Mike offers a rich tapestry beyond bulbs and blooms.

Here are some highlights:

• Origins: Mike traces the tulip's path from its Central Asian roots to the manicured gardens of Europe.
• The Mania: Witness the incredible rise and fall of the tulip trade, where a single bulb could fetch the price of a house.
• Beyond the Bulb: Mike introduces the players, from wealthy merchants to enterprising orphans, who were all swept up in the tulip mania.
• Crash Course in Economics: Learn about the first-ever futures market and the consequences of financial bubbles through the lens of the tulip trade.

This book is a feast for history buffs. Some folks found the level of detail overwhelming, particularly the financial transactions and specific tulip varieties. But flower lovers should find it fascinating.
Note: The Library Journal suggests Anna Pavord'sThe Tulip for a more botanical perspective and beautiful illustrations.

Still, Mike Dash has an engaging writing style. And, if you're looking for a captivating and informative read that blends history, economics, and a touch of human madness, then Tulipomania is sure
to bloom in your hand.

You can get a copy of Tulipomania by Mike Dash and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for under $3.