The Personal Librarian
The remarkable story of J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict, and acclaimed author Victoria Christopher Murray.
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Community Reviews
Sophomoric writing, but the fascinating story makes it worth a read. The cultural issues drive any discussion.
Engrossing story about J.P. Morgan's librarian, Belle DaCosta Green. The book introduced me to someone in history that I didn't know. Great read about a powerful woman.
At the suggestion of a good friend, I visited The Morgan Library while in New York. It was stunning to say the least, but when I saw a copy of The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict in the museum bookstore, I finally made the connection. Later I found a paperback at the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore on Lexington and sat right down and started reading about Belle da Costa Greene and her role as J.P. Morgan’s librarian. Visiting The Morgan definitely makes the book even more fascinating, but the story itself was masterfully told, inviting the reader int Belle's life in a way that made it feel real. This is a story in which fiction and history are so expertly woven together that the reader feels swept into the past. An intriguing story beautifully told.
Enjoyed the book. Great piece of history of yet another key woman preserving history. Would recommend.
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