New Books in Science, Technology, and Society Sarah Bilston, "The Lost Orchid: A Story of Victorian Plunder and Obsession" (Harvard UP, 2025)
Jun 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bilston, Professor of English Literature specializing in 19th-century British literature, delves into the captivating history of the Cattleya labiata orchid and its role in Victorian culture. She explores how this rare flower sparked a frenzy among the wealthy and middle classes, intertwining themes of class, media influence, and imperialism. Bilston highlights the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized plant hunters and local communities, as well as the shift from rarity to accessibility, showcasing the ecological and social impacts of this obsession.
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The Myth Around the Lost Orchid
- The story of the lost orchid is intertwined with fabricated Victorian fiction plots. - This mythologizing obscured the real social and environmental impacts behind orchid mania.
Plant Hunter Letters Reveal Harsh Realities
- Letters from 19th-century plant hunters reveal struggles with literacy and exploitation. - These texts highlight the harsh realities behind the imperialist plant extraction system.
Who Were 19th Century Plant Hunters?
- Victorian plant hunters were often working-class and lacked expertise on rare orchids. - They relied heavily on local indigenous knowledge to actually find and collect orchids.
