Bookman and Librarian

The last book Morgan likely held was not a luxurious rarity but this everyday devotional volume—a well-worn copy of the Book of Common Prayer. He died in Rome in March 1913, a week after attending Easter services. Belle da Costa Greene used a sheet of black-bordered mourning stationery to document the volume’s significance and preserved it in the Library’s Archives.

In his will, Morgan bequeathed $50,000 to Greene, “who has long been my efficient librarian,” and added, “I trust that she may be continued as librarian thereof at a salary not less than that which she shall be receiving at the time of my death.”