Imagine yourself in Gilded Age New York, as you witness a glamorous, self-possessed young woman become an influential figure in wealthy social circles. Known throughout the city, photographed by the press, she works with one of the richest men in the country collecting some of the world's rarest books and manuscripts, for his personal collection. Though it may sound like the plot of a movie, this story is taken from history.
Referred to as one of the most fascinating librarians in American history, Belle da Costa Greene is the figure who is responsible for the depth and legacy of the Morgan Library's collection, to this day. You may have never heard of her — but the Morgan Library and Museum in New York is trying to change that. You're reading the Consider This newsletter, which unpacks one major news story each day.
Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to more from the Consider This podcast . The Morgan Library The library was founded by J. Pierpont Morgan, one of the richest and most powerful bankers in the early 20th century.
While it was originally intended to house J.P. Morgan's personal collection, today, it houses a one-of-a-kind collection of medieval writings, rare books and illuminated manuscripts.
That's thanks in large part to Belle da Costa Greene. She became the librarian for the collection in 1905 — and in 1924 was appointed director of the Morgan Library. Erica Ciallela is a curator for "A Librarian's Legacy" — a new exhibit that .