3 Review(s)

The premise of "The Great War Syndicate" is that a group of wealthy and influential individuals forms a syndicate with the aim of starting a war to boost their financial interests. This syndicate, made up of business tycoons, politicians, and military leaders, believes that a war would stimulate the economy and create opportunities for profit. To achieve their goal, they secretly fund and organize a war against a small, unsuspecting nation.However, the novella takes a humorous turn when the small nation being targeted turns out to have its own secret weapon—an extremely advanced and powerful warship that they've kept hidden. When the war breaks out, the underdog nation deploys its formidable warship, leading to unexpected and comical outcomes."The Great War Syndicate" is a satirical commentary on the motivations behind war and the absurdity of those who profit from it. Stockton's humor and wit are evident throughout the novella as he explores the consequences of war for those who try to manipulate it for personal gain.While Frank Richard Stockton is best known for his more famous work, "The Lady, or the Tiger?" this novella offers a different perspective on his writing, combining satire with elements of science fiction and adventure. It remains a notable work in the realm of 19th-century American literature.