No one ever thinks of a librarian as having an exciting life or harboring a scandalous secret. However, not long ago I stumbled upon a very fascinating librarian that I'd never heard of.Belle da Costa Green's life (1883-1950) is chronicled in Heidi Ardizzone's book An Illuminated Life: Journey from Prejudice to Privilege. What did da Costa Greene have to give up in order to achieve the dream of a lifetime?
This sensational woman lit up New York society while working as J.P. Morgan's personal librarian, all the while, hiding a past that would have prevented her success. In 1905, J. P. Morgan hired Belle da Costa Greene to organize his rare book and manuscript collection. At this time, she only had a few years of experience to recommend her, along with a dynamic personality.
She has been described as a sensual and beautiful woman, known for her exotic look and designer wardrobe. She once said, "Just because I am a librarian, doesn't mean I have to dress like one."
Here's her secret: Greene was born into a family African Americans. To cover this up, she changed her name and created a Portuguese grandmother to gain entry into white society. By entering a new world, she dined at the tables of high society, as well as those of bohemian artists and activists.
J.P. Morgan left her $50,000 in his will. Nowadays that would be around $800,000! When asked if she was Morgan's mistress, she is said to have replied, "We tried!"
Da Costa Green never married, but had a long lasting romantic relationship with the Renaissance Italian art expert Bernard Berenson.
Fascinating story, fascinating librarian! For more insight on her, click here.
Had you ever heard of Belle da Costa Green? And by the way, do you know of any fascinating, mysterious librarians?
Thanks for visiting and have a great week!
Reprinted from 7/16/12.
3 comments:
I've never heard of her.
Me either! I stumbled upon her by accident while I was looking up something else.
Working with J.P. Morgan would have been an experience, to say the least.
Post a Comment