Cook does not give much attention to their institutions, concentrating instead on the practical consequences of mouse theology. This is based on the premises that everything in the valley has been prepared by men for mice, who are to make it an extension of Heaven, and that the chief commandment is to love one another.

By limiting his space to a valley, and speeding up the generations through the reproductive capacity of mice enthusiastically fulfilling the commandment, Cook is able to create a microcosm of world history. His essential step, however, is to forbid any form of contraception as being contrary to the law of love. Consequently, the mouse civilisation is quickly overwhelmed by a tidal wave of population.

Cook’s vision is macabre, but his concentration on a single feature of civilization narrows its scope. His treatment is whimsical rather than horrifying. He has produced a novella which may stir us to thought, not a vision which might move us to action. Yet a tale which leads inexorably to a final solution should surely be more than a light entertainment.