Typed letter signed
by EINSTEIN Albert
- Used
- Signed
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
1946. Signed. EINSTEIN, Albert. Typed letter signed. Princeton, April 3, 1946. Single sheet of gray letterhead, measuring 8-1/2 by 11 inches; p. 1. Matted and framed with a portrait, entire piece measures 19 by 15-1/2 inches. $9500.Original typed letter signed by Albert Einstein, thanking his friend, Dr. Isadore Held, for his birthday wishes as well as for sending a new book that Einstein found both ""extraordinarily enlightening"" and humorous. Text in German.The letter, typed on Einstein's personal letterhead with his name and Princeton address blindstamped at the top, reads in full translation: ""3 April 1946. Dear Mr. Held: I would like to express my sincere thanks for your birthday wishes and for the sending of the last work of this wonderful contemporary. I have already read quite a bit and find that it is extraordinarily enlightening. His penetration into the mentality of far-off times and attitudes toward thinking is most remarkable and his humor no less. With fond greetings to you and your dear wife. Yours [signed] Albert Einstein."" This letter was written to Austrian-American (medical) Dr. Isadore Held, who was friends with Einstein since at least 1938. Held and Einstein shared numerous interests, particularly related to Jewish humanitarian relief and Israel. At Held's death, Einstein wrote to his widow that, ""True goodness emanated from this man, who alleviated the harshness of human relations and who understood and forgave all weaknesses
As a role model for his fellow men he was the best that a human being can be."" Einstein was not a huge fan of birthdays, though he happily acknowledged well wishes from friends. Just before turning 65, Einstein crankily said to a New York Times interviewer: ""What is there to celebrate? Birthdays are automatic things. Anyway, birthdays are for children."" In a 1954 letter to physicist Hans Mühsam, Einstein described his birthday as ""a natural disaster, a shower of paper, full of flattery, under which one is drowned."" Einstein was generally quite shy and did not like to be the center of attention, particularly from strangers obsessed with his accomplishments and fame. However, well-meaning letters and small gifts like the book given by Held were always welcomed and graciously accepted by Einstein. Original mailing creases and a few pinpoint holes along top edge possibly from stapling. About-fine condition.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Bauman Rare Books (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 120624
- Title
- Typed letter signed
- Author
- EINSTEIN Albert
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Date Published
- 1946
Terms of Sale
Bauman Rare Books
All items are subject to prior sale. All items are guaranteed as described. Refunds are limited to original purchase price. Items may be returned within 30 days of receipt if unsatisfactory for any reason (please notify us prior to returning, preferably by phone.)
About the Seller
Bauman Rare Books
Biblio member since 2009
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
About Bauman Rare Books
In business since 1973, Bauman Rare Books now has locations in New York, Philadelphia and Las Vegas.
Glossary
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- New
- A new book is a book previously not circulated to a buyer. Although a new book is typically free of any faults or defects, "new"...