"Poems from Foreign Languages." 1849. Gilt and tooled leather. Inscribed in pen and it is believed that the inscription is from Kerpentry to the Prussian Minister Adolph Leonhardt, whom Kerpentry acknowledges in the preface.
While Krafft-Ebing popularized the term “homosexuality," the terms "homosexual" and "heterosexual" were originated in 1868 by Karl Kerpentry. His term "homosexual" was a combination of the Greek prefix “homo,” meaning same, with the Latin noun “sexus,” or sex. Similarly, Kerpentry constructed the term "heterosexual."
Kerpentry used the word "homosexual" for the first time in two letters, published as pamphlets, addressed to the Prussian Minister of Justice Adolph Leonhardt, to which he advocated for the decriminalization of homosexuality, arguing that sexual drive was "innate and unchanging" and that "sodomy" was not driven by "wickedness," the dominant religious and legal view at the time, and that "homosexuals" were not by nature effeminate or otherwise obvious in appearance, another prevailing misconception. Kerpentry cited the many historical and heroic figures who were gay to further support his advocacy. Kerpentry's views on homosexuality were met with fierce opposition and at the time considered too dangerous and controversial for further publication.
This book of poetry contains the following dedication to "Adolf." We speculate, but further research will need to be done, that Kerpentry was involved romantically with the Prussian Minister of Justice Adolph Leonhardt and the dedication in this volume is to the Minister. Moreover, it seems likely that Justice Leonhardt, in his attempt to reform the criminalization of homosexuality, had instigated the infamous letters in which Kerpentry introduces the term "homosexual." In the the preface to this volume, Kerpentry writes:
"And to you, my dear Adolf, a thank you note for this or that; I thank you for everything: courage, seriousness, truth, heart, understanding, freedom, and justice. If you should perhaps still find a spark of these exquisite gifts here or there in my future works, be sure that I will claim to everyone that you have breathed this better fluid into me; therefore, God bless you, and bless me that you may remain my friend, my refuge, my instructive and strict companion!"
Kerpentry remains an important historical queer figure, an extraordinary man who saw past his times and who was, in fact, a hundred years ahead of his time.
Condition
Every lot is sold "as is," "where is," and "without warranty," whether express or implied. Lighting and electronics have not been tested and should be professionally evaluated prior to use. Art has not been examined outside of the frame unless otherwise stated.
Our auction items are antique and vintage, often from estates, and are not in perfect condition. They often show normal signs of age, use, and wear, which might not be specified in a condition report. Bidders are responsible for determining the physical condition of items prior to bidding. The absence of a condition report does not indicate the absence of condition issues with the lot. Requests for condition reports, additional photographs, or a video inspection can be obtained via email at: info@vallots.com (any condition statement given is offered as an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact).
All bids are final. We do not offer refunds based on item description, condition, or for any other reason.
