The Personal Librarian

Some of my readers need to know that this book is NOT about the Personal Librarian concept employed at some colleges. However, it is a fictional account of Belle da Costa Green, The Personal Librarian of millionaire J.P. Morgan. This new book, co-written by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, provides a behind the scenes look at her experiences serving as the first director of the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City.

Serving as the library's first director, Belle da Costa Greene was in charge of developing and cataloging Morgan's collection of art and rare manuscripts. Doing so, provided her the opportunity to rub shoulders with the creme de la creme of New York as well as top art and rare book and manuscript scholars and collectors from aroud the world. During the early part of the 20th century, this was a plum position for a woman in a very patriarchal society. However, da Costa Greene also had some family secrets she was hiding. Her family background makes her accomplishments all the more significant.

The Personal Librarian is an enjoyable look at New York society in the early 20th century. The rich and powerful of the U.S.A and the numerous societal shifts that are beginning to take place in terms of women's suffrage, civil rights, and the sexual revolution are included. Being about a librarian who made significant contributions to the field and to history makes the story that much more interesting.

I received a complementary copy of The Personal Librarian from Berkley Publishing via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a positive review.