Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed (‘Albert’) to Anna Besso, n.p. [Berlin], n.d. [c.11 March 1918].

In German, 3¼ pages, 221 x 142mm, bifolium. Envelope postmarked 11 March 1918 (not certainly the original envelope for this letter), with Einstein’s autograph return address (‘Abs[ender] A. Einstein’). Together with two documents in Anna Besso’s hand, comprising a draft letter to Einstein, 6 pages, including a number of financial calculations relating to the living expenses of Einstein’s family in Zurich, and a separate bifolium with similar calculations entitled ‘Rechnung für Alb. Einstein (copie)’.

Please note this lot is the property of a private consignor.

Published in Robert Schulmann, A. J. Kox, Michel Janssen, and József Illy (editors). The Collected Papers of Albert Einstein. Volume 8, Part B: The Berlin Years: Correspondence 1918. No. 474

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Lot Essay

Financial support for his family, and his desire for a divorce.

Einstein is deeply grateful for Anna's letter with the accounting: 'That was once more the good, faithful Anna, that I have learnt to know and admire for 22 years. Now I once again have full confidence that everything will be done in a right and proper fashion'. He has understood that the limit of 6,000 francs he had set for the maintenance of Mileva and the children is insufficient, and he will now send 8,000 francs directly to Anna, and she will keep the accounts. He still seeks some definitive settlement of the situation of his family, and after consulting a doctor friend, he proposes that his elder son, Albert, should live with his sister Maja in Lucerne, whilst for Mileva (who was suffering from serious ill-health) they should ultimately think of a sanatorium, perhaps also near Lucerne; meanwhile his younger son, Eduard, who appears at risk of tuberculosis, should live as much as possible in mountain air: otherwise he risks 'a certain early death'. Einstein still worries about the financial situation of his family if he were to die early himself: however, his health has improved, and he has gained weight (to 132 pounds): 'The long bed-rest and careful diet have helped'.

He must also consider what is to be done about his divorce from Mileva, and asks Anna's advice, bearing in mind his current position, living with (his future second wife) Elsa: 'Think of the two young girls [Elsa's daughters] whose prospects of marrying in the current circumstances are considerably impaired by my fault'. Given his readiness to provide for his family, is it any wonder that he sometimes feels bitterness that the situation cannot be resolved? He asks Anna to put in a word for him with Mileva.