EINSTEIN ALBERT: (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicist, Nobel Prize winner for Physics, 1921. A.L.S., A. Einstein, one page, 4to, Berlin, 16th January 1930, to Mr and Mrs Oskar Wassermann, in German. Einstein thanks his correspondents for their kind invitation for the 22nd January, remarking ?My wife says I shouldn?t write to you. I am taking the risk nonetheless, as I know you are sufficiently aware of the high regard I hold for you and your admirable work to interpret my actions correctly? and further adding ?Indeed, in my fragile state of health, I can only do justice to any serious undertaking by withdrawing from unofficial social life?. An attractively penned letter on Einstein?s personal printed stationery. Together with Elsa Einstein (1876-1936) Cousin and the second wife of Albert Einstein, married from 1919-36. A.L.S., Elsa Einstein, two pages, 4to, n.p. (Berlin), 16th January 1930, to Mrs. Wassermann, in German. In a letter sent to accompany that of her husband?s, Einstein explains her husband?s customs; that he only attends social gatherings when duty compels him to do so, for official events, and he otherwise avoids journeys that require too much energy and time. Accompanied by the original envelope in which both letters were sent together (postage stamp very neatly removed). VG, 2

Oskar Wassermann (1869-1934) was heavily involved in German-Jewish philanthropy and cultural preservation. He served as a key figure in the Keren Hayesod (Foundation Fund) and worked closely with organisations that raised money to establish the Hebrew University of Jerusalem?a project for which Albert Einstein was a prominent champion and fundraiser.