Sarah Bilston
Professor of English Literature at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Focuses on British literature of the 19th century.
Best podcasts with Sarah Bilston
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Jun 11, 2025 • 55min
Sarah Bilston, "The Lost Orchid: A Story of Victorian Plunder and Obsession" (Harvard UP, 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.
May 8, 2025 • 26min
Plant hunters: the 19th century orchid mania
Sarah Bilston, a Professor of English Literature and author of ‘The Lost Orchid’, dives into the wild world of 19th-century orchid mania. She discusses the rise of nurseries fueled by glass innovations and the thrill of plant hunting. Bilston shares the inspiring yet tumultuous friendship between naturalists William Hooker and William Swainson, highlighting their adventures in Brazil. The conversation also addresses the ethical dilemmas of orchid hunting, where beauty and exploitation collide, revealing the environmental and social consequences of this floral obsession.
