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Lot #302
Ludwig Wittgenstein Autograph Letter Signed: "One can hardly imagine what you must be enduring in Vienna"

The celebrated philosopher writes from Trinity College to Allied-occupied Austria: "One can hardly imagine what you must be enduring in Vienna"

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Description

The celebrated philosopher writes from Trinity College to Allied-occupied Austria: "One can hardly imagine what you must be enduring in Vienna"

Highly influential Austrian-British philosopher (1889–1951) whose greatest contributions were in the fields of logic, philosophy of mathematics, and language. Scarce ALS in German, one page, 5 x 7.75, March 2, 1947. Handwritten letter to Betty Gaun, longtime housekeeper to the Wittgenstein family, sent from Trinity College, Cambridge. In part (translated): "Yes, one can hardly imagine what you must be enduring in Vienna. It's fortunate that my sister had you during her illness!—If only this winter would soon pass. It's also harsher here than it has been in many years. I am always very healthy. I hope to be able to visit you not too long from now." In fine condition, with the round stamp of the "Austrian Censorship Office" to the lower left.

In 1947, Allied-occupied Vienna was plagued by severe food shortages as the city's infrastructure remained damaged from World War II. Austrian agriculture was further depressed by a severe winter and poor harvest. Rations were minimal, with many residents surviving on meager portions provided by occupying forces and international aid organizations.

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