The Lost World by Doyle is another classic science fiction tale that I had never gotten around to reading. Edward Malone, a reporter, is looking for an adventure to impress the lady that he loves, so he goes to interview Professor Challenger. The Professor is seeking to prove to the scientific world that dinosaurs still exist and that he knows where they are. It is decided that noted scientist Professor Summerlee, adventurer Lord Roxton, and Edward will embark on an expedition to the Amazon region of South America to check out Challenger's claims. Challenger himself joins the trio in South America as a guide, and they set off into the remote part of the jungle. They finally arrive at a large plateau and after many days discover a way to fell a tree on a high point to make a bridge to the plateau. When they cross over, one of their hired helpers destroys the bridge and strands the four men on the plateau. They discover multitudes of dinosaurs and plants that were thought to be extinct as well as tribes of hominids and natives. Eventually, with the help of one of the natives, they discover a means of egress from the plateau and return to England with a baby pterosaur as proof of their claims.
I read this tale with both girls this fall for literature. It was a fun read. Like most older literature there is more description than a modern action novel, but still there was sufficient action to move the story along, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I'd recommend it for ages 12 and up.
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