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289

Albert Einstein

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Albert Einstein

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Auction Date:2010 Dec 08 @ 19:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
An unusually large and beautiful ALS written in Einstein's 50th year. Rare ALS signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 9 x 11.25, personal letterhead, July 20, 1929. Letter advising two candidates for academic hire. In full (translated): “How admirable of you, to concern yourself in such a conscientious manner with the Zaykoff matter. It’s difficult for me assessing the situation from a strictly human perspective, as I don’t know Mr. Maneff personally and also don’t feel particularly comfortable taking Mr. Zaykoff’s claims at face value. One thing, however, is for certain. Mr. Maneff’s publications – at least the ones I am aware of – are not only devoid of any deeper scientific merit, but are also revealing his quite insufficient grasp of the very subject he is addressing. Mr, Zaykoff, by contrast, is much better educated, even if – as it seems to me – he lacks a certain critical understanding. Perhaps over time he will gain more refinement and may yet surprise with future accomplishments. At any rate, he should be given a chance by being offered a modest, but secure position where he can put his abilities to work. Above all, Mr. Maneff’s judgment about Zaykoff should not be taken too seriously, as in my view, he does not appear to be a very reliable judge of the situation. While I hesitate making that statement, I do so because I feel obligated to save a young man from being denied opportunities that perhaps could result in worthwhile achievements. On the other hand, it would be uncalled for if, through any influence of mine, Mr. Zaykoff, who already has a touch of megalomania, should be prompted to consider himself a genius. However, I am confident you will, together with your colleagues, take the right course of action.” The letter appears to be affixed to a mat at each of its four corners, and is in turn matted and framed with a portrait of Einstein posing outdoors, to an overall size of 19.75 x 18. Intersecting folds, small blocks of toning to each corner from mounting on reverse, and some scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Einstein’s hand.

Einstein’s assessment of Georgi Ivanoff Maneff, the founder and the first person to chair the Department of Theoretical Physics at Sofia University in Bulgaria, is brutal. “Mr. Maneff’s publications...are not only devoid of any deeper scientific merit, but are also revealing his quite insufficient grasp of the very subject he is addressing,” Einstein bluntly states. His view of Rashko Zaykoff, a physicist theorist, was a bit less biting. “Mr. Zaykoff, who already has a touch of megalomania, should be prompted to consider himself a genius,” Einstein advises, before turning the matter over to the recipient and his colleagues in confidence that they will “take the right course of action.” Maneff and Zaykoff once had a dynamic relationship that grew into a tense conflict, as evidenced here, and one in which Einstein became purposely and deliberately involved in, serving as a ‘scientific judge’ and arbiter to settle the complicated situations and tensions.
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