Lenox, James

Lenox, James (lĕn`əks), 1800–1880, American bibliophile and philanthropist, b. New York City. Lenox was a founder of the Presbyterian Hospital, New York City. He amassed a fine collection of paintings and books that, as the Lenox Library, became part of the New York Public Library in 1895 and in 1913 was moved to the central library. The Frick Collection stands on the library's former Fifth Avenue site.

Bibliography

See H. Stevens, Recollections of James Lenox and the Formation of His Library (1886, new ed. by V. H. Paltsits, 1952).

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Lenox, James (1800–80) book collector, philanthropist; born in New York City. A wealthy merchant and real estate investor, he amassed an impressive collection of Bibles, 15th-century books, and art, which he donated to the Lenox Library in New York City (incorporated in 1870, and now a part of the New York Public Library). He also donated large funds and gifts of land to churches and other institutions.