MastroNet Winter 2004
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
One-page handwritten letter (in German with English translation) signed by Albert Einstein (1879-1955), American theoretical physicist. Albert Einstein is considered to be one of the greatest physicists of all time and certainly one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th Century. He would complete his famous mathematical formulation of a general theory of relativity in 1916 and would later be awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921. His later years at Princeton were spent wrestling with the problem of developing a general unified field theory, the realization of which, unfortunately, would ultimately elude him before his death in 1955. In this missive, Einstein is concerned more about people than particles, especially with regard to the plight of the Jews on the eve of World War II. In his letter, dated September 4, 1938 and written during his tenure at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, Einstein corresponds with Mr. Braunstein, a gentleman who had extended help to a Jewish refugee. Einstein writes in full: "Dear Mr. Braunstein, I feel I must thank you especially for the important help that you were willing to lend your namesake. The person is well worth it in every regard, as I have come to learn through reliable information. Judging by our enemies, we Jews must be a very remarkable little people. That is not usually so obvious! I send you my friendly greetings, Yours, A. Einstein." Both the text and Einstein's signature, penned in black ink, grade "9-10". The letter (8" x 7") has toned with age, especially along the border areas, and displays one horizontal and two vertical fold lines. Some minor conservation to both the folds and a staple hole in the upper left corner are apparent on the reverse. Excellent condition overall. LOAs from James Spence & Steve Grad and John Reznikoff/PSA DNA.
"We Jews Must Be A Very Remarkable People" - Astounding 1938 Albert Einstein Handwritten Letter
Click above for larger image.