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
William Douglas, 2nd Lord Mordington William Douglas, 2nd Lord Mordington William Douglas, 2nd Lord Mordington (27 September 1626 - after 1671) was the eldest son and heir of Sir James Douglas, 1st Lord Mordington (died 1656) by his spouse Anne, daughter of Lawrence Oliphant, 5th Lord Oliphant. In the first parliament of King Charles II in Edinburgh in January 1661, a protest was lodged by Lord Mordington and the Earl of Hartfell on behalf of the young Earl of Angus (who became the 2nd Marquess of Douglas), that his absence (due to being under-age) should not prejudice his hereditary claim to the first vote in