P. G. Wodehouse 
The Swoop! 
or How Clarence Saved England

‘The Swoop!, or How Clarence Saved England’ is a brilliantly comical novel by P. G. Wodehouse, showcasing his unique wit and satirical prowess. 

Published in 1909, the story is a playful take on the invasion literature genre popular at the time. England faces an absurd predicament: a simultaneous invasion by nine foreign powers, including the Russians, Germans, Swiss Navy, and others. Amidst the chaos, the English public remains amusingly indifferent, more concerned with cricket than the invasion. The narrative unfolds with Wodehouse’s characteristic humor, as the invasions turn into sources of entertainment rather than concern. The hero of the story, 14-year-old Clarence Chugwater, leads his band of Boy Scouts in clever schemes to outwit the invaders. 

Wodehouse masterfully flips the script on traditional invasion narratives, creating a hilarious and preposterous plot that highlights his exceptional storytelling skills. ‘The Swoop!’ is a must-read for fans of classic British humor and satire.