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
Lord Alfred Hervey Lord Alfred Hervey Lord Alfred Hervey (25 June 1816 – 15 April 1875), known before 1826 as Alfred Hervey, was a British politician. Alfred Hervey was born on 25 June 1816. He was the youngest son of Frederick Hervey, 1st Marquess of Bristol and Elizabeth Albana (1775–1844). His maternal grandfather was Clotworthy Upton, 1st Baron Templetown. He received his education at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. He served as a Junior Lord of the Treasury in Lord Aberdeen's coalition government and Lord Palmerston's first government. He was one of the two MPs for Brighton during the years 1842–1857. Active in