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Mentioned in 1 episodes

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.

Mentioned by

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Anne Bogel

Mentioned in 1 episodes

Mentioned by
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Anne Bogel
as a book about a woman charting her own path, making a job that didn't exist.
27 snips
Ep 492: Reflective nonfiction about finding your path
Mentioned by
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Anne Bogel
as a bestselling novel about the life of Belle DaCosta Green.
Ep 463: Remarkable stories that demand to be told

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