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Albert and Elsa Einstein archive of 10 letters! Albert reacts to the German threat: " Particularly deplorable is the weak stance by the British, a position that may delay the war, but certainly won't avoid it"
Albert and Elsa Einstein archive of 10 letters! Albert reacts to the German threat: " Particularly deplorable is the weak stance by the British, a position that may delay the war, but certainly won't avoid it"
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Description:

Einstein Albert

Spectacular archive of Albert and Elsa Einstein correspondence addressed to close friend and Danish journalist Karen Stampe Bendix (1881-1963) between 1930-1933, from places including Berlin and Caputh, Germany; Princeton, New Jersey; and even aboard a Hamburg-Amerika cruise ship! Fourteen pieces total.


The Danish and German language archive includes 3 ALS by celebrated scientist Albert Einstein (1879-1955); 7 ALS and TLS by his wife Elsa Einstein (1876-1936); a telegram possibly signed by Einstein verso; a Danish magazine article written by Stampe Bendix with contemporary typescript English translation; and a Karen Stampe Bendix business card. In mostly very good to near fine condition, with expected paper folds, toning, and wear throughout. Some professional restoration. Most of the material is provided with English translations.


The archive includes 3 Albert Einstein ALS and one telegram possibly signed by Einstein verso:


1) Albert Einstein's lengthiest letter is also the most significant in content, and context suggests that the letter may have been written while he was visiting America. The undated 3pp bifold ALS on cream paper is inscribed overall and signed by Einstein as "A.E." at the top of the third page. Paper folds are well-defined and the 3rd/4th page is repaired verso. A few discolored spots do not affect the text. Each page measures 5.375" x 6.875".


In the letter, Einstein criticizes the recent British response to growing militarization and radicalization in Germany. "Particularly deplorable is the weak stance by the British, a position that may delay the war, but certainly won't avoid it. It would have been much better if they had intervened three years ago. Let's face it, some conditions or situations must just be met head-on surgically. Even I have to admit that much, although I generally scorn the use of knives … ". This last statement by Einstein, a confirmed pacifist, showed the extent of his rejection of the Nazis and his disapproval of British appeasement policies.


In the same letter, Einstein wrote about the world-wide economic depression. "Be glad you are living in Denmark, a country not likely to be threatened by the tremors on the horizon. Even if the economic situation may be difficult, there is always the half-hearted consolation that nowhere in this world are conditions any better. Here too, the high rate of unemployment continues, yet in contrast to before, a sort of pessimistic resignation seems to prevail. However, the adverse circumstances failed to inflame the political passions to a degree we were so familiar with in Europe". Einstein's prediction that Denmark would evade Nazi conquest was overly optimistic; the nation was invaded in 1940. The setting of Einstein's letter was likely the Depression-era United States, which did indeed have a "high rate of unemployment", a mood of "pessimistic resignation", and an apathy not found in Europe.


2) Albert Einstein wrote a 1p ALS on "Hamburg-Amerika Line" ship stationery beneath his wife's greetings on December 31, 1932. Inscribed and signed by Einstein as "A. Einstein" at the bottom of the third page. The Einsteins were aboard the Oakland stationed off Cristóbal, Panama. After thanking Karen Stampe Bendix for sending him and his wife a fruit basket, Einstein wrote: "This extensive sea voyage once again is a wonderful chance for complete relaxation and an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective".


3) The third ALS by Albert Einstein is inscribed overall and signed "A. Einstein" at center right. In this undated 1p ALS, Einstein thanked his correspondent: "As we are enjoying all these goodies, we are thinking of you, the gracious and wise benefactress, with utmost gratitude". Brittle and damaged paper folds have been repaired, the page measuring 5.5" x 8.25".


4) Albert Einstein also sent a telegram to Karen Stampe Bendix in Copenhagen, Denmark on August 22, 1930 from his summer home in Caputh, Germany extending a lunch invitation. Signed in print "Einstein" recto and possibly pencil signed "Einstein" in middle of telegram verso.


The remainder of the correspondence was written by Elsa Einstein, Albert Einstein's beloved second wife. These include 4 ALS, one handwritten postcard, and 2 TLS:


1) On December 31, 1932 during a Central American vacation, Elsa Einstein wrote a 1p ALS on "Hamburg-Amerika Line" ship stationery above her husband's greetings. Inscribed and signed by Elsa Einstein as "Elsa Einstein" at the top of the third page. "We are having a marvelous time on this trip", Elsa Einstein wrote. "Nowhere else is my husband as relaxed, sweet, easy going, and removed from the daily routine than on a ship carrying him far away. We are reading a great deal, he spends much time pondering and thinking … ". In very good to near fine condition, each bifold page measuring 5.5" x 7.25".


2) Elsa Einstein explained to Stampe Bendix in a partially dated 1p ALS on "Albert Einstein" letterhead that her husband was in Geneva attending a meeting of the League of Nations. "He will be back in about one week … I did understand your message and am convinced my husband will undoubtedly do likewise. I wish there were more such sympathetic, selfless souls like you, my dear. Communism would never have had any chances, and everything would be just perfect in this world of ours", Elsa wrote. Signed "Ilsa Einstein" [sic] at bottom. Some minor splitting along paper folds and loss to upper right corner, the page measuring 8.75" x 11.25".


3) In an undated 3pp ALS on bifold stationery, Elsa apologized to Stampe Bendix for her tardy reply. "Just today, on the 13th of July, I am reading your letter. It's the truth, my word of honor! I had never seen it before. It's my husband's fault. He opens all the mail, and if a letter is addressed to me, he puts it on my desk without saying a word … ". The world-renowned mathematician and scientist was evidently not a good secretary. The remainder of Elsa's letter addresses parenting ungrateful children. In very good to near fine condition, signed "Elsa Einstein" on the top of page 3.


4) Elsa Einstein invited Stampe Bendix to visit them in Caputh soon: "Do come and visit us on a nice day, but not on a weekend when we usually have a house full of guests. Wednesdays would not be practical either, as there are often colloquiums held in Berlin … When you are here, you can go sailing with my husband, while I take a sunbath". The undated 3pp ALS also discusses caraway seed bread and the neighbor's telephone. In very good to near fine condition signed "Elsa Einstein" at bottom of page 3.


5) "Once again, there are lots of things going on", Elsa Einstein wrote Stampe Bendix in July 1932 from Potsdam. The double-sided postcard is filled with details about Stampe Bendix's imminent visit, Einstein relatives from Madrid, and a "fabulous blanket" among other topics. Overall toning and isolated discoloration, the postcard measuring 5.75" x 4.125".


6) Elsa Einstein wrote a 2pp TLS from Caputh, Germany on September 15, 1930, signed in print "Elsa Einstein" at top verso, and with several handwritten typographical edits within text. Elsa Einstein gave Karen Stampe Bendix a pep talk: "Whatever happens, you have people here in Berlin who stick with you! You are not abandoned! Now do not lose your courage and do not let it get you down … You have been wronged, boundless injustice done", Elsa Einstein wrote.


7) 1p TLS on "Peacock Inn, Twenty Bayard Lane, Princeton, N.J." letterhead signed "Elsa Einstein" in lower right corner. Accompanied by matching envelope postmarked from Princeton, emblazoned with shipping instructions: "Via England!" and "Please do not send to Germany!" On October 24, 1933, Elsa Einstein wrote: "We have not had any signs of life from you for a year. I've often wondered what the reason for your silence was, where you may be, how you feel. I cannot believe that the affection you had for my husband was completely lost?" The page measures 5.5" x 8.5".


Also included is material relating to Karen Stampe Bendix's career as a journalist. A 6pp Danish language newspaper article written by Stampe Bendix entitled "Albert Einstein in Europe - A close-up" described her friendship with the Einsteins. In fair condition, with brittle folds, some detached. Comes with a 23pp contemporary typescript English translation. In the article, Stampe Bendix speaks candidly about her friendship with "the greatest living scientist, maybe the greatest man of our time", featuring many charming anecdotes about Einstein. Yet she also portrays Einstein as a paradox; while he surpassed everyone in intellect, he also had many child-like qualities. Karen Stampe Bendix's business card, listing her as a theater, film, and music critic for Danish newspaper Politiken, is also included.


During the early 1930s, Einstein was busy conducting research fellowships in the United States. As this correspondence illustrates, the Einsteins were very aware of the worsening political situation in Germany. They emigrated to the United States in February 1933 after the Nazis confiscated their property; systematic persecution of Jews would only intensify until the war.


Karen Stampe Bendix was a journalist and writer-at-large from a Danish family of intellectuals. Her daughter Lilian later became a film star.


Of Note: According to the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University, much of the material in this archive is unpublished.

An extraordinary collection of archival materials, rich in content and profusely signed, documenting Albert Einstein the man!



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