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The personal librarian / Marie Benedict and Victoria Chirstopher Murray.

Summary:

"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 Black. 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" -- Provided by publisher.

Record details

  • ISBN: 0593101537
  • ISBN: 9780593101537
  • ISBN: 0593101545
  • ISBN: 9780593101544
  • Physical Description: 338 pages ; 21 cm
  • Edition: Berkley trade paperback edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Berkley, [2022]

Content descriptions

General Note:
Includes readers guide.
Subject: Greene, Belle da Costa > Fiction.
Morgan, J. Pierpont (John Pierpont), 1837-1913 > Fiction.
Pierpont Morgan Library > Fiction.
African American women librarians > Fiction.
Women librarians > Fiction.
Librarians > Fiction.
Passing (Identity) > Fiction.
Secrecy > Fiction.
Racism > Fiction.
Racism against Black people > United States > Fiction.
Secrecy.
Racism.
New York (N.Y.) > History > 1898-1951 > Fiction.
Genre: Historical fiction.
Biographical fiction.
Novels.

Available copies

  • 140 of 186 copies available at NC Cardinal. (Show)
  • 0 of 2 copies available at Johnston County Affiliated Libraries.

Holds

  • 8 current holds with 186 total copies.
Sort by distance from:
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Mary Duncan Public Library FIC Benedict (Text) 38950611391923 Adult Fiction Checked out 11/30/2024
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield FIC Benedict (Text) 38955500003695 Adult Fiction Checked out 11/13/2024