Long-winded if well-informed tale has less to do with John the Roche the thief than it does with our author's desire to craft a comprehensive natural and social history of what the Victorians called orchid delirium. Orlean piles anecdote upon detail upon anecdote and keeps on piling them enticing for those smitten with the botanical history of this success sexually suggestive flower as for everyone else. If you Mr. Kirkus, let us know.