Oscar not Wilde for vegetarians! Letter found at public sale reveals legendary playright warned of ‘risks of a eating regimen of inexperienced herbs’
Oscar Wilde disliked vegeterians and warned about the ‘dangers of a diet of green herbs’, a withering letter which has emerged at an auction shows.
The 139-year-old letter written and signed by the legendary playwright argues that ‘Brussels sprouts make people bloodthirsty’.
The Irish author and poet repeatedly expressed his contempt for non-meat eaters, claiming ‘the most violent republicans I know are all vegetarians’.
He added people who consume lentils and artichokes ‘are always calling for the severed heads of Kings’.
The letter, penned on November 12, 1887, was addressed to Violet Fane, the literary pseudonym of fellow writer Mary Montgomerie Lamb.
It finishes with a warning of the ‘dangers of a diet of green herbs’.
The letter has emerged for sale for an estimated £8,000 to £12,000 at auctioneers Bonhams, of Knightsbridge, London.
It has been consigned from the Jeremy Mason collection.
Oscar Wilde disliked vegeterians and warned about the ‘dangers of a diet of green herbs’, a withering letter which has emerged at an auction shows
The letter, penned on November 12, 1887, was addressed to Violet Fane, the literary pseudonym of fellow writer Mary Montgomerie Lamb
At the time, Wilde edited the monthly magazine, The Woman’s World, which he had been brought in to revive.
He was looking for contributors and suggested topic ideas in the four-page letter addressed to Mrs Singleton.
He tells her: ‘Vegetarianism, in your hands, would make a capital article – it’s connection with philosophy is very curious… and so is its connection with modern socialism, atheism, nihilism, anarchy, and other political creeds.
‘It is strange that the most violent republicans I know are all vegetarians.
‘Brussels Sprouts seems to make people bloodthirsty, and those who live on lentils and artichokes are always calling for the gore of the aristocracy, and for the severed heads of Kings.’
Wilde, author of The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, was jailed for gross indecency after committing homosexual acts.
He spent two years in prison between 1895 and 1897, and his health deteriorated until he died aged 46 in 1900.
Jeremy Mason, an Oriental antiques dealer, has collected hundreds of Wilde artefacts over the past 60 years which are being sold in an auction dedicated to the playwright’s life and works.
The 139-year-old letter written and signed by the legendary playwright argues that ‘Brussels sprouts make people bloodthirsty’
The sale includes a 1882 portrait photo of Wilde in flambouyant attire by New York photographer Sarony as well as various letters and first editions.
Matthew Haley, Bonhams head of fine books and manuscripts, said: ‘Vegetarianism was far less common in the 19th century than it is today.
‘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.
‘We are already getting global interest in the auction of this landmark Oscar Wilde collection.’
The sale takes place on February 18.
