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Lot #204
Albert Einstein

Einstein writes to his estranged first wife and co-worker Mileva: “I suppose it will not be that easy getting my hands on the money”

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Einstein writes to his estranged first wife and co-worker Mileva: “I suppose it will not be that easy getting my hands on the money”

ALS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” on both sides of a 5.5 x 3.5 postcard, no date, but postmarked January 27, 1915. Letter to his wife, “L. M.” [Dear Mileva]. In full (translated): “I have been persuaded by your explanation regarding the money on deposit in Zürich. You shall have it at your disposal. Find out how we have to proceed to make that happen. I suppose it will not be that easy getting my hands on the money deposited in Prague.” Einstein also completes the address panel to “Frau M. Einstein.” In very good condition, with a central vertical fold, pencil notation to top of front, some scattered light soiling, and a uniform shade of mild toning.

Einstein married his first wife, Mileva Maric, in 1903. Mileva was a physicist and Einstein’s fiery lover, who many claim had an instrumental role in his research on The Theory of Relativity. “How lucky I am to have found in you a creature who is my equal, who is as strong and independent as I am myself!” he wrote to her early in their courtship. However, the relationship had soured by the time he sent this letter in 1915. They had lived apart for a year, Einstein working as director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics and professor at Humboldt University in Berlin, and Mileva caring for their two sons in Zurich. Einstein had proposed a formal separation in 1914, offering her nearly half of his income annually. Additionally, due to the effects of the First World war, controls on exchange and money transactions were very tight. A protracted and painful divorce followed, which was finally settled in 1919 when Einstein promised a higher alimony and the entire monetary award from the Noble Prize, should he win it. A rare glimpse into the troubled personal life of the great physicist. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #384 - Ended March 22, 2012





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