The Lost World is notable for its good storytelling, evocative imagery, and sense of discovery. Its sequels are not up to its standards, but some critics have found the symbolism of The Poison Belt (1913), to be interesting. In that novel, Challenger discovers that the earth will pass through an "ether" that will destroy almost all life. He summons his companions from The Lost World, and they survive in a sealed room that is artificially supplied with oxygen. When they emerge, they see a society in which everyone has died during his everyday activities. What could be a morbid tale is instead filled with ironic humor: "I'm expecting the end of the world today," Challenger says to his servant. "Yes, sir, what time sir?" The Poison Belt is a moralistic tale, in which humanity awakes from a deathlike sleep and is humbled by its own insignificance in...