The Bird in the Box: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Bird in the Box: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Bird in the Box is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Mears, Mary M. (Mary Martha) (1876–1943).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Bird in the Box" by Mary M. Mears is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the lives of characters tethered by circumstance and emotional conflict, particularly focusing on themes of longing for freedom and the struggle against confinement. Central to the story are the characters David Beckett, an elderly lobsterman, his troubled son Thomas, and Thomas’ young wife Lavina, all navigating their desires for escape and redemption amid the harsh realities of life on the Maine coast. The opening of the book sets a vivid scene at a ship launch, introducing the excitement and anticipation as a new vessel, the "Merida", prepares to set sail. David Beckett, hopeful for his son Thomas' future, journeys to Philadelphia searching for him. However, he is met with the sorrowful reality of his family's struggles—the disappearance of Thomas and the recent death of Lavina, adding layers of grief and familial tension. As David reflects on his hopes for the future while confronting intense loss, the stage is set for an exploration of dreams deferred and the nature of freedom, which will continue to unfold through the intertwined lives of the characters.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Bird in the Box
- Author credits: Mears, Mary M. (Mary Martha) (1876–1943)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Husband and wife -- Fiction
- Man-woman relationships -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Novels
Read this edition
View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.



