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Auction: 323 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1379

Douglas, Lord Alfred Bruce (Nicknamed "Bosie," 1870-1945). English author, poet, and friend and lover of Oscar Wilde. ALS, 8vo. Lightly mounted on pages that contain descriptions of Wilde and Douglas. Signed "Alfred Douglas." To an unknown recipient.

"Dear Sir, On looking at your letter again I see that you do mention the autobiography & that you have read it. This makes my other letter largely superfluous! I would read that part of it which refers to the autobiography if I could, but unfortunately I have already posted it. Yours very truly, Alfred Douglas." (The autobiography referred to in the letter was published in 1929.) Douglas met Oscar Wilde in 1891 and began an affair that would garner world-wide attention. In 1894, the Robert Hichens novel The Green Carnation was published. Based on the relationship of Wilde and Douglas, it would later be one of the texts used against Wilde during his trials in 1895. Douglas has been described as spoiled, reckless, insolent and extravagant. He and Wilde often argued, broke up, and then reconciled. Alfred's father, Lord Queensberry publicly insulted Wilde by leaving him a business card that said "For Oscar Wilde posing as a somdomite(sic)." Wilde had him arrested, and charged with criminal libel. Douglas lost the case, and had to pay Queensberry's legal fees, which left him bankrupt. Wilde landed in prison, charged with criminal sodomy and "gross indecency."
Very fine condition.

From the collection of Diana Herzog.

Estimate
$500 to $750