Einstein to his ex-wife concerning their son and financial matters.

EINSTEIN, ALBERT. (1879-1955). German physicist. Intimate Autograph Letter Signed, “Albert,” in German. Two pages, quarto. Caputh near Potsdam, [Summer, 1929]. Very fine condition. To his first wife, Mileva. Einstein writes:

“Dear Mileva, The letter sent to you concerned the investment of about 5,000 dollars. Thalman suggested the purchase of Government Bonds similar to those you already have. However, I think it would be smart to take a mortgage on a good house here, which earns between 8% and 10%. Even though the financial situation here is not good, there is little danger that a new inflation will come. Foreign investment in Germany will protect us against that, the endangerment of which America, for example, will always try to avoid. The worst would be that you end up with a house. Considering the low rate of lending on buildings, that would not be too bad either. I therefore advise you to let me get you a first mortgage. But if you insist on leaving the money in America, at the lower rate of interest, I am agreeable to that too, even though I consider it less profitable. In that case, I would write immediately to Lud. Thalm. So let me know soon! I will come to Geneva in the last third of July and will visit you then, provided you’re home. I could then take Tetel here with me, where he will be splendidly cared for at the country cottage. Just now I come from England where I received an honorary doctorate in Cambridge and gave a talk in Nottingham. I am sorry that you found so much misfortune back home. The only insurance against that is death, nothing else before then. With cordial regards to you and Tetel, Your Albert. [P.S.] I was very happy about Tetel’s letter with the wonderful aphorisms. I see a true spiritual bond between us. I only would like him to achieve some more simplicity, frugality and order in the outward aspects. Also, discuss business matters with him so that he learns something about that.”

By 1930, Albert Einstein’s contributions to the world of science were known the world over, and the three groundbreaking papers that he had published in 1905, widely referred to as his “miraculous year,” were quickly becoming part of popular culture. As his status as an international celebrity grew, Einstein was forced to travel more frequently as colleges clamored to secure a lecture from the world’s most famous scientist. This taxing lecture schedule, along with Einstein’s tireless work in the developing field of Quantum Mechanics and on the Einstein Refrigerator (finally awarded a U.S. patent later in the year this letter was written) led to complete physical collapse in 1928. As part of his recovery, Einstein took a home in the idyllic village of Caputh, just south of Potsdam, for three years beginning in 1929. This quiet and dreamy place, nestled between two beautiful lakes, became Einstein’s primary residence during these years, a period that Einstein himself regarded as one of the happiest of his life. Hiking through the dense woods and sailing, Einstein’s favorite hobby, undoubtedly sped his recovery, and, by 1930, he once again began to travel and lecture internationally.

In June of that year, Einstein had taken a short trip to England, where he received an honorary doctorate from Cambridge University of the fifth of June before traveling to Nottingham to deliver a lecture the following day. At Nottingham, the audience, packed in a stuffy auditorium, had to wait for two hours for Einstein’s arrival; the world renowned scientist had decided to make an impromptu visit to the birthplace of the father of physics, Newton that morning.

This letter also touches on less known personal aspects of Einstein’s life during this very active period, providing a more complete picture of the man who gave the world the special theory of relativity. Foremost among the personal issues noted in this letter is Einstein’s relationship with his sons. Following his 1919 divorce from his first wife, Mileva, Einstein was greatly troubled by his distance from his two boys, especially his younger son Eduard, nicknamed Tetel, whose schizophrenia was a constant source of despair for Einstein. In addition, this letter also draws attention to this great man’s frequent poor decisions involving money. Over the years, he invested $24,000 in long-term bonds through the Ladenburg and Thalmann Bank in New York, assuming that Mileva and the children would be able to live comfortably on the interest for years to come. Unfortunately, the value of the bonds was wiped out by the Depression of the 1930s, and by June of 1932, Mileva was forced to ask her former husband for additional money to help her pay the mortgage on properties she had bought, including, among others, the home recommended by Einstein in this letter. A remarkable letter that not only touches upon Einstein’s scientific life, but his frequently tumultuous personal life as well.

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