History Book Group Meeting – The Personal Librarian

The History Book Group meets once a month to discuss history books and enjoy our time together.  Anyone who enjoys reading history is welcome to join us. Feel free to bring your lunch!

THIS MONTH’S BOOK:  The Personal Librarian (Marie Benedict, 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. (amazon.com description)