Does The Last of the Wine connect to Mary Renault's other historical novels?

This novel is part of Mary Renault's series of historical fiction set in ancient Greece, and while it features different characters and a distinct plot, it shares the author's characteristic deep dive into classical history and culture.

Is The Last of the Wine based on historical figures or events?

The novel is set during the Peloponnesian War and features historical figures like Socrates and Alcibiades, weaving their known lives and philosophical ideas into the fictional narrative.

The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault

Set in ancient Greece, this novel explores the Peloponnesian War through the eyes of young men. It delves into themes of male friendship and homosexuality, which became a significant aspect of the author's work. The story offers a historical perspective on relationships and societal norms of the time.

Prose complexity: 7/10

Reflective Complex Intellectual

Coming of Age

M

Mary Renault

Eileen Mary Challans (4 September 1905 – 13 December 1983), known by her pen name Mary Renault (/ˈrɛnoʊlt/), was an English writer best known for her historical novels set in ancient Greece. Born in Forest Gate in 1905, she attended St Hugh's College, Oxford, from 1924 until 1928. After graduating from St Hugh's with a Third Class in English, she worked as a nurse and began writing her first novels, which were contemporary romances. In 1948, she moved to South Africa with her partner Ju...

Frequently asked questions

Does The Last of the Wine connect to Mary Renault's other historical novels?
This novel is part of Mary Renault's series of historical fiction set in ancient Greece, and while it features different characters and a distinct plot, it shares the author's characteristic deep dive into classical history and culture.
Is The Last of the Wine based on historical figures or events?
The novel is set during the Peloponnesian War and features historical figures like Socrates and Alcibiades, weaving their known lives and philosophical ideas into the fictional narrative.