Summary
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 Victor... Full description
Summary: |
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. In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle's complexion isn't dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white -- her complexion is dark because she is African American. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to -- for the protection of her family and her legacy -- to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives. |
---|---|
Physical Description: |
1 online resource |
Format: |
Requires OverDrive Read (file size: N/A KB) or Adobe Digital Editions (file size: 2283 KB) or Kobo app or compatible Kobo device (file size: N/A KB) or Amazon Kindle (file size: N/A KB). |
ISBN: |
9780593101551 |
Author Notes: |
Marie Benedict is a well established lawyer at two of the country's premier law firms. She graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with a focus on Art History and History. She is also a cum laude graduate of Boston University School of Law. Marie had a passion for unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. She followed this passion and began her writing career. Her first historical novel was "The Other Einstein", which recounts the story of Albert Einstein's first wife, a physicist, and the role she may have played in his theories.The other novels in this series include Carnegie's Maid, and The Only Woman in the Room. She also writes historical novels as Heather Terrell. Those titles include: The Chrysalis, The Map Thief, and Brigid of Kildare. (Bowker Author Biography) |