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

The Gift Bearer is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Fontenay, Charles L. (1917–2007).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Gift Bearer" by Charles L. Fontenay is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story explores the themes of morality, societal norms, and the clash between progressive ideals and conservative values through a humorous narrative. It revolves around the character of Richard J. Montcalm, who unexpectedly encounters an extraterrestrial visitor, complicating his rigid perspectives and responsibilities as a family man amidst rising tensions from local censorship. In the storyline, Montcalm, a member of a censorship board, finds himself face-to-face with Liz, a beautiful alien woman who has arrived to offer humanity advanced knowledge and technologies. As Montcalm grapples with his attraction to Liz and the potential gifts she brings, he struggles to maintain societal norms, particularly regarding her choice to remain unclothed. The comical tension escalates as Montcalm faces opposition from his wife, Millie, and the local police, eventually leading Liz to retreat, concluding that humanity is not ready for the gifts she offers. The narrative ultimately leaves Montcalm reflecting on his decisions and the impact they have on his family and the broader community.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Gift Bearer
- Author credits: Fontenay, Charles L. (1917–2007)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Extraterrestrial beings -- Fiction
- Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
- Science fiction, American
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Humour
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Science Fiction
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.


