First US paperback edition of this collection of 3 previously published stories: "Hiding Place" appeared in the 3/1961 issue of Analog Science Fact/Fiction Magazine, "Territory" appeared in the 6/1963 issue of Analog Science Fact/Science Fiction Magazine & "The Master Key" appeared in the 7/1964 issue of Analog Science Fact/Science Fiction. It is also the second book in the "Future History of the Polesotechnic League" series, preceded by "War of the Wing-Men" (1958) and followed by "The Trouble Twisters" (1966).
The Polesotechnic League is a loose confederation of free enterprise merchants and corporations bound together for protection. One of the most powerful companies in the League is the Solar Spice & Liquors Company. These stories follow its president: the corpulent, flamboyant, capitalist adventurer Nicholas van Rijn.
Cover artist is #PaulLehr.