Of Men and Monsters

Of Men and Monsters by William Tenn

Of Men and Monsters is a science fiction novel by William Tenn (a pseudonym Philip Klass uses for his sci-fi work). It was published in 1968.

Tenn wrote many short stories but only two novels, both published in 1968. A Lamp for Medusa was published as a double novel with Dave Van Arnam's The Players of Hell. That novella was an expansion of his story "Medusa Was a Lady!" from the October, 1951 issue of Fantastic Adventures.

Of Men and Monsters is an expansion of his story "The Men in the Walls," originally in Galaxy Science Fiction (October 1963).

The storyline introduces giant, technologically superior aliens who have conquered Earth. Humankind survives and even flourishes in a way. Men and women live like mice in burrows in the massive walls of the huge homes of the aliens, scurrying about under their feet, stealing from them.

A complex social and religious order has evolved, with women preserving knowledge and working as healers, while men serve as warriors and thieves. For the aliens, men and women are just a nuisance, neither civilized nor intelligent, and certainly not a worthy adversary. In fact, they are regarded as vermin, to be exterminated. Which, ironically, may just be humankind's strength and point the way forward.

The paperback edition was published by Del Rey Books.

External links

• Castro, Adam-Troy. Review, Sci Fi Weekly, March 18, 2002.