EINSTEIN, ALBERT
    German-born American physicist (1879-1955); developed the theories of special and general relativity; awarded 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics; suggested the possibility of the atomic bomb to President Roosevelt; revolutionized physics and became the enduring image of the distracted, benign scientific genius. Fine Typewritten Letter Signed "A. Einstein" as Honorary President of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, 1/2 page, 4to, on stationery embossed with his name and address, Princeton, NJ, December 20, 1939. He thanks Elinor F. Rafalsky of New York "...for your efforts in making the Marian Anderson Concert such a successful benefit...I feel sure that your enjoyment of the evening and your personal satisfaction in having been associated with this worthy cause is sufficient reward, but I want to add my personal thanks..." Small closed tear at lower left, folds, otherwise in very good condition. Earlier in 1939, Anderson had sung on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she was refused a concert at the DAR Constitution Hall because of her race. The Palestine Symphony Orchestra provided more than entertainment. For many Jewish musicians in Nazi Germany, the orchestra provided the employment they needed to emigrate to Palestine and escape persecution. An excellent association letter that is very crisp, with a flawless signature.