The LRB Podcast The Best-Paid Woman in NYC
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Jun 25, 2025 Francesca Wade, author of *Square Haunting*, delves into the life of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's personal librarian who transformed a private collection into a public treasure. They discuss Greene's fascinating identity struggles, specifically her decision to conceal her African American heritage. Wade uncovers Greene's long-distance relationship with art historian Bernard Berenson and her strategic maneuvers in a male-dominated field. The conversation reflects on Greene's significant contributions to librarianship and the complex legacy she left behind.
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Belle's Complex Racial Identity
- Belle da Costa Greene concealed her African American heritage for her career in elite white circles.
- This choice profoundly shaped her identity, freedom, and professional opportunities in early 20th-century America.
Belle's Revealing Letters to Berenson
- Francesca Wade accessed 600 letters Belle wrote to Bernard Berenson revealing her humor and frustrations.
- The letters depicted a complex woman balancing social charm with the constraints of her era.
Power Dynamics With J.P. Morgan
- Belle gained J.P. Morgan's trust to control library purchases, subtly managing power dynamics.
- Their relationship blended professional respect, personal dependence, and a negotiation of control and freedom.
