Dr Nikola or, Dr Nikola Returns: 'I have no doubt as to your surprise''

Guy Boothby was born on the 13th October, 1867 in Adelaide, South Australia to a politically prominent family.

Boothby’s early life was marked by a diverse education and numerous travels. He was educated in Adelaide, London, and Salisbury, gaining a broad perspective of outlooks and situations.

He initially pursued a career in the civil service and journalism, working as a private secretary and as an editor for the Brisbane Courier. His experiences in these roles, combined with his extensive travels in Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia, provided rich material for his later literary works.

After a spell in Australia writing and performing in light opera and plays performed locally, Boothby's literary career began in earnest in the mid-1890s in London. His breakthrough came with the publication of ‘A Bid for Fortune’ in 1895, which introduced readers to the enigmatic Dr. Nikola, a master criminal with a mesmerising personality and a penchant for the occult. This novel was followed by a series of successful sequels, establishing Boothby as a successful leading writer of popular fiction. The Dr. Nikola series was particularly notable for its blend of adventure, mystery, and supernatural elements, captivating a wide audience and earning Boothby considerable acclaim.

In addition to the Dr. Nikola series, Boothby wrote numerous other novels and short stories, often characterized by their vivid descriptions, fast-paced plots, and exotic settings. His works frequently featured elements of romance, crime, intrigue, and suspense, appealing to a broad readership. Notable among these are ‘The Beautiful White Devil’ (1896), ‘Pharos, the Egyptian’ (1899), and ‘Across the World for a Wife’ (1900).

Guy Boothby died prematurely from complications arising from the flu on the 26th February, 1905, in Bournemouth, England. He was 38.

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