Books matching: 17th century netherlands
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- #1
Save:An entertaining, lively dive into the world's most famous flower frenzy - fascinating for gardeners, history lovers, and anyone curious about the roots of financial madness, but may leave number-crunchers and chart fans wanting more.
'Tulipomania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower & the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused' by Mike Dash is a historical account of the tulip mania that swept through Holland in the 17th century. The book delves into the origins of the tulip, its journey from Asia to Europe, and how it became a symbol of wealth and status. Dash explores the economic bubble that formed around tulip trading, detailing the frenzy, greed, and eventual crash that ensued. The writing style combines historical context with storytelling, offering insights into the cultural significance of tulips in both European and Middle Eastern history.
They came from all over Holland, dressed like crows in black from head to foot and journeying along frozen tracks rendered treacherous by the scars of a thousand hooves and narrow wheels. They had clo...1999•306 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully written, atmospheric novel about art, loss, and deception across centuries. Not a conventional thriller, but a thoughtful literary tale best for readers who enjoy rich prose and layered stories.
'The Last Painting of Sara de Vos' by Dominic Smith is a multi-layered story that spans across different time periods and locations, focusing on the lives of a female Dutch painter named Sara de Vos, a wealthy collector Marty de Groot, and a young art historian and restorer Ellie Shipley. The narrative weaves between the 1600s in Holland, the 1950s in the U.S., and the year 2000 in Australia, where all these characters' paths intersect. The book delves into the world of art, forgery, and the roles of women in the art world, providing a captivating and informative exploration of Dutch landscape painting and the intricate process of creating and detecting forgeries.
The painting is stolen the same week the Russians put a dog into space. Plucked from the wall right above the marital bed during a charity dinner for orphans. This is how Marty de Groot will tell the...2012•373 pages Eye-opening, thought-provoking, and beautifully written - a must-read for anyone curious about the surprising ways plants and people entwine. Not just a book about botany, but a meditation on desire, culture, and nature itself.
The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan is a fascinating exploration of the relationship between humans and four plants - apples, tulips, marijuana, and potatoes. Through detailed studies and historical anecdotes, Pollan delves into how these plants have shaped human desires and cultures, while also examining how humans have influenced the evolution and cultivation of these plants. The book offers insights into the coevolution of plants and humans, highlighting the interconnectedness between nature and culture.
Pollan's writing style in The Botany of Desire is engaging and informative, blending scientific research with personal experiences and philosophical reflections. The book presents a unique perspective on botany and gardening, discussing the survival tactics of plants and the ways in which human desires have influenced the domestication and cultivation of various plant species. Through a mix of history, biology, and social science, Pollan weaves a compelling narrative that sheds light on the intricate relationship between humans and the plant world.
If you happened to find yourself on the banks of the Ohio River on a particular afternoon in the spring of 1806—somewhere just to the north of Wheeling, West Virginia, say—you would probably have noti...June 2001•296 pages- #4
Save:A richly atmospheric historical novel that brews together finance, betrayal, and the dawn of coffee culture - best for fans of intrigue, commerce, and meticulously-researched settings.
The Coffee Trader by David Liss is a historical novel set in 17th-century Amsterdam, revolving around the world of coffee trading and the Dutch Commodities Exchange. The story follows Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jew in debt, who teams up with a Dutchwoman named Geertruid to devise a risky scheme involving coffee trading. The narrative delves into themes of deceit, manipulation, financial intrigue, and complex relationships, all set against the backdrop of a bustling Amsterdam mercantile scene.
Liss employs a dual protagonist narrative style, providing insights into the characters' motivations and struggles. The book offers a rich historical backdrop, detailing the cultural and religious dynamics of Jewish society in Amsterdam during the 1600s. Through intricate plot twists and detailed descriptions, the novel explores themes of ambition, treachery, and the pursuit of wealth amidst a backdrop of historical events and financial schemes.
It rippled thickly in the bowl, dark and hot and uninviting. Miguel Lienzo picked it up and pulled it so close he almost dipped his nose into the tarry liquid. Holding the vessel still for an instant,...2002•420 pages
