Doris Oppenheim Leslie (1891–1982)

Doris Leslie, the English novelist and historical biographer, published her first novel, ''The Starling,'' in 1927. This was a success and she produced 13 more novels. But her reputation rests with her historical biographies, beginning with ''Royal William,'' a study of King William IV that appeared in 1940.

''Polonaise,'' a life of Chopin, was a best seller, as were ''This For Caroline,'' a biography of Lady Caroline Lamb, and ''The Scepter and the Rose,'' the story of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza.

She was married and widowed twice, and had no children. Her second husband was Sir Walter Hannay, who died in 1961.