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Lot #176
Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed

"The thought oppresses me; how small must be the selection, if in the pursuit of your humanitarian work you become aware of a man who is little active in this area"

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Description

"The thought oppresses me; how small must be the selection, if in the pursuit of your humanitarian work you become aware of a man who is little active in this area"

TLS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 7.5 x 9, June 21, 1937. Addressed from Huntington, Long Island, New York, a letter to members of the Rho Pi Phi fraternity at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, in part (translated): "I heartily thank the Rho Pi Phi Fraternity for the kind feelings shown me and the recognition which is very much undeserved. The thought oppresses me; how small must be the selection, if in the pursuit of your humanitarian work you become aware of a man who is little active in this area. Unfortunately it will not be possible for me to come to Boston for your meeting. But I will be glad to receive the announced writing in my summer home." Archivally matted with rose linen and framed with a photo to an overall size of 19.75 x 15.5. In fine condition, with some light wrinkling to the top. In June 1937, Einstein was elected an honorary member of the Rho Pi Phi fraternity for 'humane service to the nation.'

Einstein summered on the North Fork of Long Island during 1937, 1938, and 1939, and it was from there where he would famously write to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, warning him that the Nazis might be developing nuclear weapons and urging the United States to stockpile uranium ore to begin work on its own atomic weapons. Einstein’s summer residence was located on West Cove Road (originally known as Old Cove Road) on Nassau Point. During his tenure there he was always wary of curiosity seekers and those trying to snap a photograph of him. Local resident and postman Albert Richmond noted ‘You let Einstein come to you,’ not the other way around. Other members of Einstein's entourage also visited and enjoyed the North Fork, including Valentine Bargman (1908-1989), Einstein's assistant at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University. He would join David Rothman and Einstein in their musical interludes at the Rothman house in Southold.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #633 - Ended April 13, 2022





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