He was convicted and spent six months in jail.Ĭonan Doyle stated that Morel’s beliefs about the war “destroyed the feelings which I had for him.” Some pamphlets that Morel published in 1917 lead to charges of treason. Conan Doyle thought highly of Morel as he was working on The Crime of the Congo and The Lost World however, he later changed his mind.ĭuring World War One, Morel helped to form a pacifist movement, the Union of Democratic Control. In an ironic twist of fate, both men were charged with treason during World War One.Įdmund Morel was the inspiration for the character of Edward Malone. As a result, Conan Doyle wrote The Crime of the Congo. They helped bring the plight of the people of the Belgian Congo to Conan Doyle’s attention. Morel and Casement were the founders of the Congo Reform Association. Professor Summerlee shared many characteristics with Sir Robert Christison.Įdward Malone and Lord John Roxton were based on Edmund Dene Morel and Roger Casement. Professor Challenger was based on William Rutherford. Professors from Conan Doyle’s days at the University of Edinburgh inspired the two professors in the novel. Inspiration for the Characters in The Lost World However, once he realized he’d be duped, he angrily showed Conan Doyle to the door. Conan Doyle was so pleased with the costume that he went to his brother-in-law’s house dressed as Challenger and pretended to be a German doctor.Ĭonan Doyle’s brother-in-law, Willie Hornung, was initially pleased to receive the visitor.

Conan Doyle was enthusiastic about The Lost World and even dressed as one of the main characters, Professor Challenger, for some publicity photos.

The lost world book conan doyle