Books & Manuscripts, including Americana

2pp. on single sheet, 8vo (229 x 178 mm), in German, signed on verso, transmittal folds affecting letters, "Leiber" partly outlined in pen, partial erasure in upper margin, old paperclip impression on verso.

EINSTEIN FLEES NAZI GERMANY: "IT IS SIMPLY NOTHING MORE THAN THE STUPID REVOLTING AGAINST THE SENSIBLE IN GERMANY...THE STUPID CONSTITUTE THE VAST MAJORITY"

Albert Einstein fled Germany in 1933, shortly after Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in January of that year. As a Jewish intellectual, outspoken pacifist, and critic of nationalism, Einstein quickly became a target of the Nazi regime: his home was searched, his property confiscated, and his name reportedly placed on assassination lists. Returning to Germany was no longer possible. He was invited to England by the British MP Oliver Locker-Lampson, who arranged for him to stay under guard at a secluded cottage on Roughton Heath in Norfolk, chosen for its isolation and security amid credible threats to his life. In October 1933, Einstein sailed for the United States. Having already resolved not to return to Germany, he formally resigned from the Prussian Academy and accepted a permanent position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where he would remain for the rest of his life. In this letter, Einstein writes of his attempted assassination and his new refuge on the English coast.

Translated in full: "Dear Tetel! Somewhat eventful times have once again occurred since my last letter. Specifically, it was written in the newspapers that there were plans for my assassination. This resulted in my police protection being increased to the point that I no longer wished to bother. That is why I have spent more than three weeks here by the English coast enjoying an enviable solitude. The cottage in which I live alone measures around 9 sqm and consists of only one room. When you step out the door, you are immediately greeted by Mother Nature. I spend most of my time doing mathematics and walk around outside when I'm cold. Unfortunately, the ship will be returning to America in around two weeks. An old chap like myself simply cannot have his peace and quiet! Unfortunately, dying takes the joy out of it.

"I would have loved to come and visit you. But it was something I couldn't even think about given the conditions! It is simply nothing more than the stupid revolting against the sensible in Germany. You see, the stupid constitute the vast majority --- Food notwithstanding, I am always by myself. When you're tired, you feel very stupid because you have nothing to distract you. You should always have something mechanical to do, such as cooking. Incidentally, it would be something good for you too, even if I don't believe you will be able to make it very far. Generally, it is good for your mental balance if you have something you can do for hours where you can be sure you will achieve something even when simply doing it by routine.

"Even though I write little, I still think about you a great deal. I hope you are in a steady mood with no significant irritations. [Tetel had been recently diagnosed with schizophrenia and may have been institutionalized at this point.]
Should you wish to write anything else to me, the address is Commander Locker (until 3/X) Lampsen [sic], Cromer, England. Subsequently, Princeton University (New Jersey).
My warm greetings to you both. Your Papa.

"Dear Mileva! This letter is for you as well. Should you run into any business-related difficulties, look no further than Mr Dukas [probably a relative of Einstein's secretary, Helen Dukas.] He is very experienced and will be happy to help."