The Personal Librarian
Book • 2021
The Personal Librarian is based on the life of Belle da Costa Greene, who was hired by J. P. Morgan in 1906 to curate his collection for the newly built Pierpont Morgan Library.
Belle, a light-skinned Black woman passing as white, becomes a fixture in New York City society and a powerful figure in the art and book world.
She works tirelessly to acquire and curate rare and ancient works, developing a close but complicated relationship with J. P. Morgan.
After Morgan's death, she ensures his son Jack keeps the collection intact and eventually turns it into a public library.
The novel explores themes of identity, legacy, and the impact of her work on future generations.
Belle, a light-skinned Black woman passing as white, becomes a fixture in New York City society and a powerful figure in the art and book world.
She works tirelessly to acquire and curate rare and ancient works, developing a close but complicated relationship with J. P. Morgan.
After Morgan's death, she ensures his son Jack keeps the collection intact and eventually turns it into a public library.
The novel explores themes of identity, legacy, and the impact of her work on future generations.
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Anne Bogel
Ep 463: Remarkable stories that demand to be told
