June 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, June 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/28/2018
Historically important autograph letter written by Albert Einstein the day he renounced his German citizenship and turned in his passport to the German Consulate in Brussels. Dated 28 March [1933] aboard the S.S. Belgenland ship, Einstein and his wife Elsa write to Einstein's sister Maja Winteler-Einstein about the dire situation in Germany, just minutes before they would dock in Antwerp, Belgium, where Einstein famously renounced his German citizenship.
After the Nazis seized power in January 1933, they raided Einstein's home when he and Elsa were traveling to the United States. They even published his photo with the caption ''not yet hanged'' and purportedly put a 5,000 bounty on his head. The day this letter was written, the Einsteins were traveling back to Germany, intending to live at their summer home in Caputh, Germany, before discovering that this home had also been raided. It was with this knowledge that Einstein decided to turn in his passport when they docked at Antwerp, and came to the heavy realization that they must now find a safe hiding place to live.
Elsa begins the letter, understandably agitated, with extreme worry for Einstein's children, who she feels are in danger because of Einstein's public denunciation of Nazism. Letter reads in full, ''Dear Maya [sic]! What were we thinking, believing that Tetel [Einstein's son] were staying with you! We just found out that this is not possible. This was not clear in your letter. We had a report from [their friend Heinrich] Zangger. I find his description of Tetel's state of mind very depressing. These are sad prospects for the future! - We are experiencing such deeply sad things. Maya [sic] - I just received a letter from the children. Tears keep running down my face. The letter had been given to a messenger for delivery, since all letters are being opened over there. Maya [sic] - these children are suffering terribly because of the horribly crass interview Albert gave in New York. Against my will! I was imploring him, on my knees. In vain! / Maya [sic], life is difficult and horrible. No matter what, do not write anything related to politics to the children, nothing of Albert's interview. Oh my God, all of our friends either have fled or they are in jail.
The newspapers are censored. You cannot find out anything. Maya [sic] - what a time we live in! For days now, I have been so miserable and sick that I am barely able to drag on. We will be landing in Antwerp in 10 minutes. I wish that we were already ensconced in some quiet corner. And I am so scared during the landing, too!!!!! / Oh God!''
Einstein concludes the letter, his tone contrasting that of Elsa's and seemingly accepting of their fate: ''Dear Maja, thinking that Tetel was with you was my mistake. It probably happened because you wrote about him in so much detail. Or possibly an unconscious wish [of mine] was behind it. He is actually doing fairly well but he is depressed and, in a characteristic way, will lose the thread of a conversation. / All the best! We will now look for a hiding place for the summer.''
Entire letter in German runs four pages on card-style stationery measuring 5'' x 8''. Einstein's portion is found on pages three and four. Single fold, otherwise near fine condition. A remarkable letter, imparting the visceral feeling of the extreme danger the Einsteins were in, and their bravery as Germany descended into Nazism.
Letter Written by Albert Einstein the Day He Renounced His German Citizenship & Turned in His German Passport -- ''...We will now look for a hiding place...''
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