logo

32 pages 1 hour read

The Lost World

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1912

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Arthur Conan Doyle

The Lost World

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1912
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amazon Basin • Early 20th Century

Topic
Publication Year

1912

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a 1912 science fiction novel narrated by journalist Edward Malone, who joins Professor George Challenger, Professor Summerlee, and Lord John Roxton on an expedition to a plateau in South America where dinosaurs and other ancient creatures still exist. The novel explores themes of adventure, exploration, evolution, scientific curiosity, and imperialism through first-person accounts, letters, and newspaper articles. The story contains racist and offensive language.

Adventurous

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Exciting

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.2

80,504 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World captivates with its imaginative adventure and pioneering spirit. Praised for its thrilling plot and dynamic characters, the novel shines in its depiction of prehistoric life. However, some reviews point to dated perspectives and occasional pacing issues, though these don’t significantly detract from its overall appeal as a classic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lost World?

Readers who enjoy The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle are often fans of classic adventure fiction and speculative science. Similar to those captivated by Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth or H.G. Wells' The Time Machine, they appreciate tales of exploration, prehistoric creatures, and the triumph of human curiosity.

4.2

80,504 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Edward "Ned" Malone

A reporter driven by a desire for adventure, Ned embarks on an expedition seeking to prove his courage and get a compelling story.

A brilliant and often abrasive scientist who leads a daring expedition to South America, certain of making groundbreaking discoveries.

An adventurous and seasoned explorer known for his love of danger and excitement, who proves loyal and generous during the expedition.

A skeptical academic who joins the expedition to assess Challenger's claims, initially doubtful but committed to scientific truth.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amazon Basin • Early 20th Century

Topic
Publication Year

1912

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.