The secret life of the sensational woman behind the Morgan masterpieces, who lit up New York society. What would you give up to achieve your dream? When J. P. Morgan hired Belle da Costa Greene in 1905 to organize his rare book and manuscript collection, she had only her personality and a few years of experience to recommend her. Ten years later, she had shaped the famous Pierpont Morgan Library collection and was a proto-celebrity in New York and the art world, renowned for her self-made expertise, her acerbic wit, and her flirtatious relationships. Born to a family of free people of color, Greene changed her name and invented a Portuguese grandmother to enter white society. In her new world, she dined both at the tables of the highest society and with bohemian artists and activists. She also engaged in a decades-long affair with art critic Bernard Berenson. Greene is pure fascination―the buyer of illuminated manuscripts who attracted others to her like moths to a flame.

An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene's Journey from Prejudice to Privilege

Ardizzone Ph.D., Heidi

History

W.W.Norton&Company

"Too important to be ignored....A fascinating look at America's obsession with race, pride, and privilege."―Essence When Alice Jones, a former nanny, married Leonard Rhinelander in 1924, she became the first black woman to be listed in the Social Register as a member of one of New York's wealthiest families. Once news of the marriage became public, a scandal of race, class, and sex gripped the nation―and forced the couple into an annulment trial. "A compelling read."―Boston Globe "This is a great story....Earl Lewis and Heidi Ardizzone tell it very well."―Chicago Tribune

Love on Trial: An American Scandal in Black and White

Lewis Ph.D., Earl

Africa

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ardizzone Ph.D., Heidi. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ardizzone Ph.D., Heidi

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ardizzone Ph.D., Heidi. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

An Illuminated Life: Belle da Costa Greene's Journey from Prejudice to Privilege

Love on Trial: An American Scandal in Black and White