The Personal Librarian

The Personal Librarian is a historical fiction that chronicles the life of Belle da Costa Greene, a real-life figure who assumed the identity of a wealthy heiress to become the personal librarian for the renowned financier J.P. Morgan. Greene’s remarkable journey begins with a humble upbringing and culminates in a position of significant influence within the world of art and literature. 

As the trusted confidante of Morgan, she plays a pivotal role in the establishment of his celebrated private collection. However, Greene’s carefully constructed persona is constantly threatened and as she navigates the complexities of her double life, she must reconcile her passion for books and knowledge with the pursuit of social acceptance.

“Being a woman, I know that I must do my job twice as well as any man to be thought half as good.”

With the rise of the middle class, the growth of cities, and the development of new technologies in her era, Greene championed the power of books and the importance of intellectual pursuits by implicitly advocating for a nation that values intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. For every historical fiction enthusiast, The Personal Librarian is a highly recommended piece of literature.