A scathing 139-year-old letter penned by Oscar Wilde, in which the celebrated playwright and wit derides vegetarians and warns of the 'dangers of a diet of green herbs', has emerged for sale at a London auction house.
The contents of a withering critique
Written and signed by Wilde on 12 November 1887, the four-page letter was addressed to fellow writer Mary Montgomerie Lamb, who used the pseudonym Violet Fane. At the time, Wilde was editing The Woman's World magazine and was seeking contributions.
He suggested she write an article on vegetarianism, noting its 'connection with philosophy is very curious'. However, Wilde swiftly used the topic as a springboard for a series of provocative and humorous jibes. He argued that 'the most violent republicans I know are all vegetarians'.
In his characteristically flamboyant style, Wilde made specific culinary accusations. He declared that 'Brussels Sprouts seem to make people bloodthirsty', and claimed those who consume lentils and artichokes 'are always calling for the gore of the aristocracy, and for the severed heads of Kings'. The letter concludes with his warning about the perils of a herb-based diet.
A landmark collection under the hammer
The remarkable document is part of the Jeremy Mason collection, amassed over six decades by an Oriental antiques dealer. It is now being offered for sale by Bonhams auctioneers in Knightsbridge, London, with an estimated price of £8,000 to £12,000.
The sale, dedicated to Wilde's life and works and taking place on 18 February, also includes a flamboyant 1882 portrait photograph of the author and various first editions. Matthew Haley, Bonhams' head of fine books and manuscripts, commented on the find.
'Vegetarianism was far less common in the 19th century than it is today,' Haley noted. 'The letter reveals that although we do not think of Wilde as conservative, he was remarkably traditional in his food preferences. Wilde was a generous letter-writer, often treating his correspondents to stunning displays of his literary talents.'
The legacy of a literary giant
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish author of works like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, was later imprisoned for gross indecency. His health deteriorated after two years in prison, and he died in 1900 at the age of 46.
This newly surfaced letter provides a fascinating, if mischievous, insight into the social attitudes and personal humour of one of literature's most iconic figures, while also highlighting the enduring market for significant historical artefacts.
