comma btw subject and verb: A library in many people's minds, is an

[chris wong]

This sentence is extracted from a student newspaper.

A library in many people's minds, is an academic place of quiet and solemnity with an abundance of books, where people go to read alone. Even a ghost would know this and if she be of a benign disposition, follow worldly rules.

I wonder if a comma could be used like that. Is it just a typo?

I think it should be:
A) In many people's minds, a library is an ....
B) A library, in many people's minds, is an ....
C) A library in many people's minds is an ....

And
-Even a ghost would know this and, if she be of a benign disposition, follow worldly rules.

thanks

 

[Parla]

You're right, Chris. It was wrong, and your three possibilities are correct.

I suspect that it was a typo—careless writing or careless editing. Perhaps the writer originally intended to place a comma after "library" too, as in your example (B), and forgot to do so.

 

[chris wong]

How about the second sentence I've just added? Is it another mistake?
Thank you!

 

[boozer]

Yes, most definitely.

PS. You mean the inessential clause 'if she be of benign disposition', right? If so, yes, there should be a comma before and after it.

 

[chris wong]

Thank you