Mary Renault, born Eileen Mary Challans in 1905, was a renowned author of historical fiction novels, best known for her works set in Ancient Greece. She was born and raised in London, where her father worked as a doctor. Renault attended Oxford with the intention of becoming a teacher, but she soon discovered her passion for writing. After completing her degree, she decided to broaden her knowledge and understanding of human life before pursuing a career in writing.
Renault's writing career began with the publication of her first novel, "Purposes of Love," in 1939. However, it was not until 1948, after winning a $150,000 MGM prize for her novel "North Face," that she and her lifelong partner, Julie Mullard, emigrated to South Africa. It was in South Africa that Renault was able to write about homosexual relationships openly for the first time. Her novel "The Charioteer," published in 1953, was the first to feature a same-sex relationship, and it laid the groundwork for her later historical novels set in Ancient Greece.
Renault's historical novels are set in Ancient Greece and feature vivid fictional portrayals of notable figures such as Theseus, Socrates, Plato, and Alexander the Great. Her works include a pair of novels about Theseus and a trilogy about the career of Alexander the Great. By focusing on stories about male lovers in the warrior societies of ancient Greece, Renault was able to explore larger ethical and philosophical concerns, while also examining the nature of love and leadership. Renault's sympathetic treatment of love between men has won her a wide gay readership, and her works continue to be celebrated for their historical accuracy and engaging storytelling.