Summary of The Last of the Wine
“The Last of the Wine” is a historical novel set in ancient Greece in the 5th century BC. It follows Alexias, a young Athenian runner, who falls in love with Lysis, a champion wrestler. The novel describes the events of the Peloponnesian War, the defeat of Athens, and the Athenian democratic uprising against the Thirty Tyrants. It features several historical Greek figures, including Socrates, Plato, Xenophon, and Alcibiades.
Reasons to read The Last of the Wine
“The Last of the Wine” was the first of Mary Renault’s historical novels set in ancient Greece. It is highly recommended for readers interested in ancient Greek culture and history, including the importance of athletic and philosophical training, the wars between Athens and Sparta, the conflicts between democratic and autocratic governance, and same-sex relationships. Mary Renault, a renowned British author, wrote this novel during a time that homosexuality was still illegal in the UK. Another notable historical novel by Mary Renault is “Fire from Heaven”, about the childhood and youth of Alexander the Great.
Setting: Athens (Greece)
Original title: The Last of the Wine by Mary Renault
Year of publication: 1956
Nr of pages: 400
