Background: Marie Benedict is known for keeping a low public profile, and there is limited public information about her personal life, including her birthdate and early background.
Educational Background: She holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Boston College Law School and a Bachelor's degree from Boston College.
Professional Background: Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Marie Benedict had a career in law. Her legal background is evident in some of her novels, where legal themes or settings play a significant role.
Literary Career: Marie Benedict gained recognition for her historical novels that explore the lives of influential women, often bringing to light untold stories or providing a fresh perspective on well-known figures.
Notable Works:
Writing Style: Marie Benedict is known for her engaging storytelling and her ability to blend historical facts with fiction to create compelling narratives.
Collaborations: Marie Benedict has collaborated with other authors, such as Victoria Christopher Murray, on certain works, including "The Personal Librarian" (2021).
A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan's personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation, from New York Times bestselling authors Marie Benedict and 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. The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to-for the protection of her family and her legacy-to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
Belle da Costa Greene was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, known for her role as the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan and her contributions to the world of art and literature. Here is a brief timeline of Belle da Costa Greene's life:
1883: Birth: Belle Marion Greener is born on November 26, 1883, in Washington, D.C. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first African American graduate of Harvard College.
1905: Marriage and Separation: Belle marries Thomas Pelham Greene, but the marriage ends in separation. She later adopts the professional name "da Costa Greene."
1905-1907: Princeton University: Belle works at Princeton University as a librarian, gaining valuable experience in the field.
1905-1909: Pierpont Morgan Library: Belle becomes the personal librarian and confidante to J.P. Morgan, working at the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City. She is instrumental in building Morgan's rare book and manuscript collection.
1913: J.P. Morgan's Death: J.P. Morgan passes away, and Belle continues her work under the direction of his son, J.P. Morgan Jr.
1920s-1930s: Career Advancements: Belle becomes a respected figure in the world of art and literature. She is involved in the acquisition of rare manuscripts and artworks.
1934: Retirement from the Morgan Library: Belle retires from the Morgan Library after a successful and influential career.
1947: Death: Belle da Costa Greene passes away on May 10, 1950, in New York City.
Belle da Costa Greene's life is characterized by her groundbreaking career as a librarian and art collector. Her role at the Morgan Library and her contributions to the world of rare books and manuscripts have left a lasting legacy. Her ability to navigate the challenges of her time, including issues related to race and gender, has made her an important figure in the history of librarianship and cultural preservation.
An Illuminated Life by 
Carolina Built by 
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by 
The Vanishing Half by 
The Great Mrs. Elias by 
The Lioness of Boston by 
Josephine Baker's Last Dance by 
Passing by 
The Gilded Years by 
Westwood Public Library
