In Tarzan and the Ant Men (1924), the tenth novel in the saga created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the jungle hero ventures into a remote region of Africa in search of new adventures. There he discovers the hidden kingdom of Minuni, inhabited by an astonishing race: men barely half a meter tall, whom he names the Ant Men.

Tarzan is captured and, through a mysterious process, reduced in size to live among them as an equal. In this way, he becomes a witness to a complex society made up of rival city-states. The Minunians possess a refined organization but are also driven by ambition, war, and the struggle for power. During his stay, Tarzan becomes entangled in military conflicts, treacherous alliances, and tensions between factions, always guided by his instinct for justice and his ability to prevail even when at a disadvantage.

Beyond the action, the novel offers a satirical critique of human society: its senseless wars, social inequality, and the status of women. Burroughs combines jungle adventure with social reflection, delivering one of the most original and fantastic stories in the entire Tarzan cycle.

Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950) was an American writer, renowned for creating the legendary character "Tarzan" and the Martian series John Carter of Mars. Considered a pioneer of pulp literature, his adventure and science fiction novels made him one of the most popular and influential authors of the 20th century.