The Green Carnation

The Green Carnation is a satirical novel by Robert Hichens, first published anonymously in 1894. Set against the backdrop of the Aesthetic Movement, it follows Lord Reginald Hastings, a self-absorbed young man navigating the complexities of beauty, vanity, and societal morals in late 19th-century London. The novel parodies the styles of Oscar Wilde and his circle, particularly through the character of Esmé Amarinth, and critiques the hedonism and artistic pretensions of the time. Initially withdrawn after the Oscar Wilde trial, it has since gained recognition for its sharp wit and social commentary.