Scottish writer and master storyteller Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in 1859. As a medical student he was so impressed by his professor's powers of deduction that he was inspired to create the illustrious and much-loved figure Sherlock Holmes. However in contrast to his scientific background, Conan Doyle became increasingly interested in spiritualism, leaving him keen to explore other fantastical elements in stories such as The Lost World.

Judith John (glossary) is a writer and editor specializing in literature and history. She has worked as an editor on major educational projects, including English A: Literature for the Pearson International Baccalaureate series. Judith's major research interests include Romantic and Gothic literature, and Renaissance drama.