Correspondence on not-so-famous lost words
“Man-eating orchids” (March-April). Bernard Witlieb suggested as a possible answer the short story “The Flowering of the Strange Orchid,” by H.G. Wells, in which a man breeds an orchid that overpowers him with its scent and sucks his blood until it is discovered in the act and destroyed by his housekeeper.
Send inquiries and answers to Chapter and Verse, Harvard Magazine, 7 Ware Street, Cambridge 02138, or via email to chapterandverse@harvardmag.com.
The Magicians author discusses his influences, from Harvard to King Arthur to Tolkien.
A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.
From aphorisms to art heists to democracy’s necessary conditions
Humans have been dreaming of living on the Red Planet for decades. Harvard researchers are on the case.
At Cambridge Math Circle, faculty and alumni share puzzles, riddles, and joy.
