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Personal Librarian
Personal Librarian | Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J. P. Morgan's personal librarian--who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, 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 on the New York society scene 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 build 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 to which she must go--for the protection of her family and her legacy--to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
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Andrea313
Personal Librarian | Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
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I've been in NYC for the last few days, mostly to see some great theatre, but I've also had the chance to visit a few cool bookish sites, too- the Drama Book Shop, 1804 Books, the Argosy Bookstore, and the JP Morgan Library (pictured). I have too many thoughts about Morgan's life and his unending thirst for acquisition to try and get into it here; but this visit did inspire me to finally pick up the tagged book about Morgan's personal librarian.

LeahBergen The oil barons of that era pretty much cleared out the art and books of the UK and Europe. 😬 1y
40 likes1 comment
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Litsi
Personal Librarian | Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
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Mehso-so

The gist of this book is that JP Morgan‘s librarian was both super successful and passing as white. Here‘s her photo. Honestly, she is obvs not white to me. I think she passed despite her appearance because people couldn‘t believe that a black woman could be so capable and not only out negotiate men but understand and cherish the whitest of things: 12th-17th c European art. Full review https://www.facebook.com/1082882538/posts/10224799137740767/

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Texreader
Personal Librarian | Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
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More books for your tbr list. I‘ve read a number of these and more are already on my tbr list.

https://www.bookbub.com/blog/books-about-librarians

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ReadingEnvy
Personal Librarian | Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
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Reading Envy Podcast Episode 225: Books About Libraries and Librarians

I'm joined first by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray to discuss their joint novel, and decided to ask my co-workers for their favorite books on libraries and librarians. The episode finishes up with a few reading recommendations based on questions I've answered from listeners.

To listen and subscribe:
https://tinyurl.com/ReadingEnvy225

BarbaraTheBibliophage Anyone still undecided about the #libraryorlibrarianintitle prompt for #booked2021 should listen! Sounds interesting! 3y
ReadingEnvy @BarbaraTheBibliophage oh cool! Too bad Litsy only lets you post one image because the other two are grids of the other books discussed. 3y
BarbaraTheBibliophage @ReadingEnvy At least the link gives people a spot to see the whole list online!! 3y
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Susanita I only know this due to a previous job, but Kiribati is actually pronounced kee-ree-bas. Who knew! 3y
ReadingEnvy @Susanita wow I had NO IDEA thank you! 3y
Kristin_Reads Loved this episode! 3y
Centique Hi Jenny sorry I‘m super behind in listening to my podcasts! This was great but just to let you know Albert Wendt is Samoan and born in Samoa though living in NZ now - so that book you recommended by him is own voices. 👏👏He was one of my Uni lecturers. 3y
48 likes2 stack adds8 comments