Lot 756
Wilde, Oscar and Lord Alfred Douglas
Rare Books, Manuscripts & Photographs
Auction: Rare Books, Manuscripts & Photographss | 10 May 2007
Description
The chameleon. A bazaar of dangerous and smiling chances. London: Gay and Bird, [1894], volume 1, number 1 (all published), limited to 100 copies, original wrappers bound in, contemporary brown morocco by Denny, spine gilt, t.e.g., others uncut, early inscription at head of page 1 partially washed out, binding lightly rubbed
Footnote
Note: Very scarce. Wilde had been invited to contribute a handful of witticisms to The Chameleon, the Oxford University journal, which also included a poem written by Wilde's lover, Lord Douglas. Wilde's obvious link to the journal was later used as evidence in his trial for acts of indecency in which the prosecutor interrogated Wilde about the last line of Douglas' poem Two Loves, "the love that dares not speak its name." As a result, Wilde was arrested and convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to two years hard labour.