Arthur Conan Doyle was born in 1859 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He trained at the University of Edinburgh as a doctor. After working for a short time as a ship's surgeon, he set up a medical practice in Scotland. Initially, his practice was not successful and he wrote stories while waiting for patients. Though he continued doctoring, he achieved greater fame and fortune as a writer.

Doyle wrote novels, romances, plays, and short stories. He is remembered most for creating Sherlock Holmes, a private detective who solved mysteries using reason and observation. He also wrote science fiction, including The Lost World.

During the Boer War, Doyle served as a doctor. He later wroted a book defending the British government. For these efforts, he was knighted and given the title "Sir".