Notes
First published in a shorter form as The Men in the Walls in Galaxy magazine (October 1963 issue), the novella was then revised and expanded for publication as a novel by Ballantine Books in 1968.

Publisher’s Blurb – Page One
Eric crossed the dark open space, his eyes fixed on the patch of white light ahead, his mind engaged in a completely unaccustomed examination of values. Mankind’s knowledge of the important foraging basics of day-to-day life, against the Stranger knowledge of so many things and techniques he had never even heard about. Surely Mankind’s way was infinitely preferable, far superior?

He sped for the wall which separated him from the burrows. And why did all these Strangers, evidently each from a different tribe, agree in the contempt with which they held Mankind?

Eric had just turned right along the wall, on the last stretch before the doorway, when the floor shook again, jarring him out of his thoughts. He bounced up and down, frozen with fear where he stood.

He was out in the open while a Monster was abroad.

Publisher’s Blurb – Lower Cover
"A fascinating invasion story in which giant aliens have occupied Earth and almost eliminated mankind except for small groups living, like mice, within the walls of the aliens’ dwellings"
- Encyclopedia of Science Fiction

"An ingenious, enjoyable and well-told novel which has never received the attention it deserves"
- Science Fiction Writers

"William Tenn is a gifted and urbane writer . . . a tour de force"
- Sunday Times

"A myriad of fascinating twists; an amazing and thought-provoking ending . . . if you liked Brian Aldiss’s Hothouse and Non-Stop this will delight you"
- Manchester Evening News

"Brilliantly conceived picture of human society under stress . . . a highly original conclusion . . . unflagging inventiveness"
- Irish Times