Mary Renault (1905-1983) was a British author best known for her historical novels set in Ancient Greece. She studied at Oxford University and worked as a nurse during World War II. After the war, she began writing novels, often focusing on the lives of historical figures such as Alexander the Great and Socrates. Her works were praised for their vivid descriptions and accurate historical detail. Renault was a pioneer in the genre of historical fiction, and her books remain popular today. She was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for her novel The Charioteer in 1955.