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Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed....
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Description
Einstein declines to endorse a book on his theory of relativity
Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed. One page in German, 8
1/4 x 9 3/4 inches, Berlin; November 29, 1921. In this letter to
Ulrico Hoepli, a Swiss-Italian publisher known for his scientific
and technical publications, Einstein politely declines to endorse a
forthcoming book on his theory of relativity. Signed at the
conclusion, "A. Einstein." The letter reads, in large part
(in translation):"In order to avoid giving authors who write about the theory of relativity the impression of partiality, I have for years had to refrain from specifically recommending individual publications on this subject. You will therefore certainly understand that I cannot make an exception in your case either." Signed, "A. Einstein."
Einstein first published the general theory of relativity in 1916, yet it was not until Arthur Eddington verified his predictions in 1919 that he became a global sensation. The confirmation transformed him into one of the most recognizable figures of the twentieth century, admired by both scientists and the general public, who were eager to understand a theory few could actually explain. Because the theory required advanced mathematics and had originally appeared in German, numerous authors tried to produce simplified guides for lay readers. Einstein, however, made it a strict policy to withhold his endorsement from all secondary accounts, agreeing to support only literal translations of his own scientific papers.
When he wrote this letter, Einstein was at the height of his fame. He had just been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics and was preparing for his first extended international travels. As the flood of relativity-related publications continued to grow, Einstein's maintained his insistence on remaining neutral. His comments here likely allude to Harry Schmidt's upcoming publication, The First Knowledge of Relativity (1922), a popular introduction written for general audiences. At this time, Einstein was finalizing his own work, The Meaning of Relativity (1922), which presented the theory exactly as he wished it to be understood.
A summary of this letter is recorded in The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein, Vol. XII (Princeton University Press).
Condition: Unevenly toned with minor wear to the top edge. A few stray ink blots, touching text but not affecting legibility.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
February, 2026
26th
Thursday
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