DUTCH TULIPMANIA
The Madness & The Myth
75 minutes of richly illustrated video history · $39 · Lifetime access
A Sneak Peek
Behind the Madness of Tulipmania
In the 1630s, the Dutch became captivated by an extraordinary flower. Rare tulip bulbs commanded astonishing prices, speculators wagered enormous sums, and a remarkable market flourished before prices suddenly collapsed.
But the familiar tale of a nation driven mad by flowers is only part of the story. To understand Tulipmania, we must enter the world of the seventeenth-century Dutch Republic, a society marked by artistic brilliance, scientific discovery, and extraordinary commercial wealth, alongside the exploitation and violence of colonial expansion.
Against this complex backdrop, a flower became one of the most coveted possessions of its age.
YOUR HOST
Heather Bolen, M.A. in Early Modern European History
I've long been fascinated by the tulip. Its beauty is reason enough to admire it, but as a historian, I find its extraordinary journey even more compelling. Few flowers have been so many things to so many people: a symbol of paradise, an object of desire, a collector's obsession, and eventually one of the most familiar flowers in our gardens.
My fascination has taken me from archives and art museums to the flower fields of the Netherlands. Tulipmania is only one moment in the tulip's history, but it is the most famous one. I created this course to share what I’ve discovered along the way, and to invite you to look at this beautiful, seemingly ordinary flower with fresh eyes.
INSIDE THE MASTERCLASS
The Tulip Trade
Explore how a small republic became a European financial powerhouse, pioneering stock trading and sophisticated financial markets, and how this culture of commerce set the stage for Tulipmania.
The Madness & The Myth
Separate fact from fiction and discover how a relatively brief episode in Dutch history became one of the world's most enduring cautionary tales about financial speculation.
A Golden Age Obsession
Discover why the tulip fascinated botanists, inspired artists, and became a prized possession among wealthy collectors in the Dutch Golden Age.
From East to West
Follow the tulip's journey from Central Asia through the Ottoman Empire to the gardens of Europe.
75 minutes of richly illustrated video history · $39 · Lifetime access
“The tulip is a flower that draws some of the most exquisite lines in nature and then, in spasms of extravagance, blithely oversteps them.”
— Michael Pollan, The Botany of Desire
Choose Your Experience
The Masterclass
$39
75 minutes of richly illustrated cultural history, available to enjoy at your own pace.
Lifetime access · Watch anytime
The Tulipmania Collection
$55
The complete masterclass, plus our beautifully illustrated, 70-page printed companion book.
Save $14 when purchased together · Shipping calculated at checkout
Frequently Asked Questions
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DeDutch Tulipmania is a prerecorded, 75-minute masterclass that you can enjoy whenever and wherever you like. Once enrolled, you'll receive access to the full presentation, which you can watch at your own pace, pause, and revisit as often as you wish.
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You'll have lifetime access to the masterclass, so there's no deadline to complete it. Return whenever curiosity strikes!
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Not at all! The masterclass is designed for curious minds, whether you're passionate about history, art, gardens, or simply love a fascinating story. No prior knowledge is needed.
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All purchases are final. Due to the digital nature of the masterclass and the immediate access provided upon enrollment, we are unable to offer refunds. The printed companion book is also non-returnable, whether purchased individually or as part of The Tulipmania Collection.
If your book arrives damaged or there is an issue with your order, please contact us so we can make it right.
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Absolutely. Dutch Tulipmania: The Truth Behind the Myth of a Flower-Fueled Folly is a beautifully illustrated, 70-page printed companion book, available separately for $30.
You can also purchase it together with the masterclass as The Tulipmania Collection for $55, saving $14. Shipping is additional.
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I'm always happy to help! Whether you have a question about the masterclass, trouble accessing your purchase, or an issue with your book order, please reach out by emailing hello@travelandculturesalon.com. I'll be glad to assist you.
Follow the Tulip to Amsterdam
Join me in April 2027 for a small-group journey through the Netherlands at the height of tulip season, exploring the flower's remarkable history through art, gardens, and the places where its story unfolded.