February 2025 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
Albert Einstein typed letter signed with interesting content regarding the employment prospects of a young Jewish woman, Mignon Lion, who wished to emigrate from France to the United States during World War II. Lion's mother's maiden name was Einstein, so it's possible that Lion was distantly related to Albert Einstein. Lion and her fiance would eventually relocate to Brazil, but her mother died in Auschwitz in 1945. Her father survived the war and died in New York City in 1964.
Dated 26 May 1938 on his personal Princeton stationery, Einstein writes, "Finding work in your chosen field in America might well prove to be quite difficult. I have generally observed that any more or less specialized intellectual workers have a very hard time here. On the other hand, capable young women may easily find employment as domestics, nursery school teachers, nurses, etc. It is also possible to earn a living with various types of handicraft. It would be imperative for your fiance to acquire proficiency in a viable trade or profession. - I regret that I will not able to give you an affidavit, as I have already written far too many of them lately. But it seems that for now, anyhow, this is not even an option for you yet. / Kind regards to you / your / [signed] A. Einstein".
Einstein worked tirelessly at this time to help vulnerable Jews leave Europe, and here delivers a realistic assessment of labor prospects in the United States. Single page letter in German measures 8.375" x 11", signed "A. Einstein." at conclusion. Accompanied by envelope postmarked Princeton, New Jersey on 26 May 1938. Return address has been modified on the envelope, possibly by Einstein. Folds to letter, staple puncture at upper left and faint discoloration at upper right panel. Very good to near fine condition. With PSA/DNA COA.
Albert Einstein Letter Signed from 1938 Regarding a Jewish Woman Immigrating to the United States from Europe -- With PSA/DNA COA
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