The Green Carnation The Green Carnation The Green Carnation, first published anonymously in 1894, was a scandalous novel by Robert Hichens whose lead characters are closely based on Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas – also known as "Bosie", whom the author personally knew. It was an instant "succès de scandale" on both sides of the Atlantic. The reviewer for "The Observer" wrote, ""The Green Carnation" will be read and discussed by everyone... nothing so impudent, so bold, or so delicious has been printed these many years." The book features the characters of "Esmé Amarinth" (Wilde), and "Lord Reginald (Reggie) Hastings" (Douglas). The
James Douglas, 1st Lord Mordington James Douglas, 1st Lord Mordington Sir James Douglas, 1st Lord Mordington (died 11 February 1656) was the second son of William Douglas, 10th Earl of Angus by his spouse Elizabeth, daughter of Laurence Oliphant, 4th Lord Oliphant. He was created, by King Charles I, a Lord of Parliament on 14 November 1641 as Lord Mordington. He had been knighted prior to 1621, and obtained a grant from the Crown of the lands and barony of Over Mordington in Berwickshire on 24 August 1634, although he appears to have laready been in possession, as a minute of the Privy Council of