Oscar not Wilde for vegetarians! Letter discovered at auction reveals legendary playwright warned of 'dangers of a diet of green herbs'
A 139-year-old letter written and signed by legendary playwright Oscar Wilde argues that 'Brussels sprouts make people bloodthirsty'.
By ADAM POGRUND, TRAINEE REPORTER
Published: 12:09 GMT, 11 January 2026 | Updated: 15:23 GMT, 11 January 2026
A newly discovered letter from Oscar Wilde has revealed the legendary playwright warned of 'the dangers of a diet of green herbs'.
The 139-year-old letter, which has emerged as part of an auction, was addressed to Violet Fane, the literary pseudonym of fellow writer Mary Montgomerie Lamb.
In the letter, which is on sale for an estimated £8,000 to £12,000, the Irish writer claims vegetarianism can create 'bloodthirsty' and 'violent' people.
He claimed 'the most violent republicans I know are all vegetarians', Brussels sprouts 'make people bloodthirsty' and the people who consume lentils and artichokes 'are always calling for the severed heads of Kings'.
The letter, penned on November 12, 1887, finishes with a warning of the 'dangers of a diet of green herbs'.
It has emerged for sale at auctioneers Bonhams, of Knightsbridge, London, having been consigned from the Jeremy Mason collection.
At the time of publication, 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.
A newly discovered letter from Oscar Wilde has revealed the legendary playwright warned of 'the dangers of a diet of green herbs'
The letter, penned on November 12, 1887, was addressed to Violet Fane, the literary pseudonym of fellow writer Mary Montgomerie Lamb
He wrote: '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.