This book contains the following story:
"The Lost World" is a science fiction novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1912. The story follows a scientific expedition led by Professor George Edward Challenger to a remote plateau in the Amazon rainforest, where prehistoric creatures still exist. Here's a summary of the plot:
The novel begins with a meeting between journalists Edward Malone and McArdle, who discuss Professor Challenger's controversial claims about the existence of living dinosaurs in a remote part of South America. Skeptical of Challenger's assertions, Malone decides to interview him. Challenger, a brilliant but irritable scientist, reveals his findings to Malone, including photographs and sketches of the creatures he claims to have seen on a plateau in the Amazon rainforest.
Intrigued by Challenger's story, Malone decides to join an expedition to the mysterious plateau, along with Professor Challenger, Professor Summerlee, an academic rival of Challenger, and Lord John Roxton, a renowned hunter and explorer. The group, accompanied by a team of guides and porters, embarks on a journey to explore the isolated plateau.
Upon reaching the plateau, the explorers encounter a world seemingly frozen in time, populated by various prehistoric creatures such as dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and other ancient fauna. The team faces numerous challenges and dangers, including encounters with hostile tribes, treacherous terrain, and aggressive dinosaurs.
Throughout their adventure, the group discovers evidence of an ancient, advanced civilization that once inhabited the plateau. They also find a fellow explorer, Maple White, who had disappeared years earlier. Together, they navigate the dangers of the plateau while trying to survive and make groundbreaking scientific observations.
As the story unfolds, the explorers face ethical dilemmas related to studying and preserving the unique ecosystem of the plateau. They also contend with personal conflicts and rivalries within the group. Ultimately, the novel explores themes of exploration, scientific curiosity, and the clash between the ancient and modern worlds.
"The Lost World" is a thrilling adventure tale that captures the excitement of discovery and the wonders of a lost prehistoric world, showcasing Conan Doyle's imaginative storytelling and sense of adventure.