Einstein letter reveals scientist’s thoughts on God

Dated July 21, 1953, this letter by Albert Einstein is expected to sell for $60,000-$90,000. PBA Galleries image

SAN FRANCISCO – A unique and important letter from Albert Einstein, shedding light on his concept of God’s existence, will be put up for auction Feb. 14 by PBA Galleries at the Pasadena Sheraton during the 49th California International Antiquarian Book Fair.

As the world’s most famous scientist, Einstein was often asked to make public pronouncements about God and his own religious views. But despite such inquiries, Einstein’s public record on the question was remarkably ambiguous.

Written late in his life – Einstein died less than two years later at age 76 – the typed letter dated July 21, 1953 is a concise and reasoned declaration. An end-of-life statement, the letter is Einstein’s final reasoned and mature view of the topic, and thus of great significance.

Written in response to a college student who asked him if he had ever resolved “the question of the existence of God in the perceivable universe,” the brilliant letter is characteristic of Einstein’s best problem solving and exhibits a new turn of reasoning not found in Einstein’s earlier statements about God. Einstein writes, “The question should rather be: How far is it reasonable and justifiable to assume the existence of an unperceivable being? I see no justification for the introduction of such a concept. In any case, it does not facilitate the understanding of the orderliness we find in the perceivable world.”

The remarkable and transcendent letter by Einstein will be sold at auction by PBA Galleries, specialists in rare books, manuscripts, maps and related materials, on Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Sheraton Hotel in Pasadena, adjacent to the 49th California International Antiquarian Book Fair. The estimate on the one-page letter is $60,000-$90,000.

One of the most coveted highlights is a second folio edition of ‘William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies.’ Printed in 1632 it also includes John Milton’s ‘Epitaph,’ his first printed work. Estimate: $200,000-$300,000. PBA Galleries image

One of an archive of 26 manuscript letters signed by King Philip IV of Spain to the viceroy of the New Spain colony from 1651 to 1653. Estimate: $80,000-$120,000. PBA Galleries image

LiveAuctioneers.com will facilitate absentee and Internet live bidding.

For more information contact PBA Galleries at or pba@pbagalleries.com or 415-989-2665.

View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.