June 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, June 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/28/2018
Albert Einstein autograph letter signed, with previously unpublished content regarding Einstein's relationship with his first wife Mileva and their two children. Although this letter has been published in ''Albert Einstein Correspondence With Michele Besso'', large parts were omitted regarding Einstein's decision not to see his children, on account of his poor relationship with Mileva, who Einstein believes is manipulating the situation so that he feels compelled to reunite with his estranged family.
From Berlin on 14 July 1916, at which time Einstein and Mileva had been separated for two years (Einstein was with his second wife Elsa at this time), he writes to his friend Michele Besso who lived in Zurich, where Mileva and his sons lived. The letter contains several starts and stops, indicating the subject matter was likely distressing for Einstein, who writes in full,
''Dear Michele, First of all, my most heartfelt thanks to you for being such a stalwart helper to my children and my wife. Judging by your letter, my wife appears to be seriously ill.
Initially, I took it for granted that I should travel there. Now, however, after careful consideration, I have come to a different conclusion. If I go to Zurich, my wife will demand to see me. I would have to decline this, partly because I of an immutable decision I arrived at, and partly also to spare her the associated upsets. The children, for their part, would again see this [sic] it as unbearable severity if I did not satisfy this wish. Besides, you know that during my stay there at Easter the personal relationship between my children and myself deteriorated to such an extent (after a beginning full of much hope), that I doubt very much, that my children would find my presence there at all reassuring. If my wife will be able to stay at home and continue to run the household, I will not come at all. However, if my wife will have to go to the hospital, I will gladly meet the children at a neutral location, in Schaffhausen, for instance, and spend their holidays with them. In that case, however, considering the bad experiences of last Easter [Mileva had her sons baptized as Orthodox Christians three years prior], I would refrain from coming to Zurich.
Dear Michele! I understand your comment that the effects of the 'emotional strain' are the reason for the current condition. This is an obvious hypothesis. I, however, suspect that this woman is leading you two kind-hearted men on a merry chase. You see, she will use any available means to achieve her own ends. Unfortunately, after the fact it is impossible to determine clearly, whose instinct was correct. But I, once burned, should be better able to know the fire. Granted, I cannot discount the possibility that the woman really is ill. There was a similar situation with the little one last year, however, and with Albert during Easter. I was always getting the most alarming-sounding news, and always at the beginning of the holidays......
Dear Michele, you have absolutely no inkling about the inborn deviousness of such a woman. I would have been broken in body and soul, had I not finally found the strength to keep her at arm's length and out of my sight and hearing. Did you not sense, during our last meeting, that you were with a fellow who was sounder on the inside than before, someone who was able once more to find harmless joy in simply being alive? Maybe, after all, I shall still see the day when your eyes will have been opened to these things.
At this time, I only implore you to keep me up to date on the state of things via postcards, without regard for the substantial continuity of your statements. In the era of quantum theory, this is a fortiori permissible. / Affectionate greetings to you and yours / Your / Albert / Affectionate regards and many thanks for now to Zangger, and to the Zurchers as well.''
Three page letter on card-style stationery measures 5.25'' x 8.25'', accompanied by original mailing envelope postmarked Berlin on 14 July 1916. Folds and light toning, otherwise near fine condition. Accompanied by full translation.
Albert Einstein Autograph Letter Signed During The Year That the General Theory of Relativity Is Published -- The Beginnings of His Serious Illness That Almost Killed Him & Mention of Quantum Theory
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