Unveiling Hidden Treasures: Exploring “The Personal Librarian”

Architectural rendering of the proposed library for Morgan by McKim, Mead & White, ca. 1902.
Watercolor over pencil. Acc. no. 1958.24.
In the vast expanse of literary wonders, some books stand out as shining gems, illuminating stories that deserve to be shared and celebrated. One such gem is “The Personal Librarian,” a captivating historical novel that delves into the life of an extraordinary woman whose achievements have long remained obscured by history’s shadow. Co-authored by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, this novel has breathed life into a remarkable tale of empowerment, resilience, and the love for literature.

Image source: TheMorgan.Org
“The Personal Librarian” takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the life of Belle da Costa Greene, a woman who shattered societal norms during the Gilded Age and the early 20th century. Belle, an African-American woman passing as white, was the personal librarian and confidante to J.P. Morgan, one of the most powerful and influential men of the time. The novel weaves together elements of biography and historical fiction, drawing from real-life events to craft a rich narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning each page.
On a recent trip to New York, I spend some time in the JP Morgan library. Imagining Bella’s life there, seeing for myself the deeply described architecture and wishing I could have been there to see her in action and view the space in which this collection was stored more than a century ago.

Image source: The New York Times
Belle’s association with J.P. Morgan opened doors to a world of rare books, art, and intellectual treasures. As his personal librarian, she curated his vast collection with meticulous precision and expanded his library exponentially. Despite her immense contributions, her work often went uncredited, and her name remained largely unknown until recent years.

Image source: Penguin Books
In the upcoming fall 2024, an exhibition devoted to the life and career of da Costa Greene will take place at the Morgan Library & Museum. I look forward to attending and learning so much more about this formidable woman and the space that allowed her to shine.
Have a terrific day,
XR
For further reading:
https://www.themorgan.org/architecture/j-pierpont-morgans-library
https://www.themorgan.org/