February 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020
Elsa Einstein typed letter signed, composed on 17 March 1934 shortly after she and Albert Einstein moved to Princeton. In this sometimes humorous letter, the Einsteins are clearly not looking forward to a grand celebration planned in their honor, even though it was also for a good cause, to raise funds for ''exiled poor German Jews''. Albert Einstein was notoriously uncomfortable with events honoring him. Written to Elsa's cousin Erich, letter in German translates in part, ''Of course I did not forget you, and I did receive your dear letter at that time as well. However, regrettably, regrettably, so much was going on at all times, that our meeting became impossible. This coming Sunday would be a poor choice too. There will be a gigantic jamboree in Newark, with the whole State of New Jersey participating in welcoming Albert here. It is a dreadful state affair arranged by the Governor of the State, and the celebration will last from noon until late into the night. First, there will be a monster of a concert, then a gigantic banquet. You can probably imagine how Albert feels about such an event, and how eagerly he is looking forward to it. However, since it is not possible to decline this sort of thing, he simply had to agree to it, of course. At any rate, New Jersey is very much looking forward to that day.
I would not be able to enjoy your visit if you came here that day. We will already be leaving for Newark at noon and will stay there the whole day, and it will be tremendously strenuous. You will be able to read about it in the newspapers. It is all for a good cause, of course. They want to raise funds for the for the [sic] exiled poor German Jews. The following Sunday we will be in New York at a great concert that will be given in honor of my husband. We will have to leave for New York at noon and stay until late at night, since we promised to take part in a Passover Seder organized be the Palestine Labour League...Today I had a nice little letter from Paul Moos. Other than that, however, so many sad things are happening there. A deluge of refugees and nobody will help. In Paris, in particular, thousands are in danger of starving to death...[signed] Elsa''. Single page letter measures 8.5'' x 11''. Folds, overall near fine condition.
Elsa Einstein Letter Signed From 1934, Shortly After She and Albert Moved to Princeton -- ''...There will be a gigantic jamboree in Newark...welcoming Albert here. It is a dreadful state affair...''
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