Description:

Albert Einstein
[Princeton, New Jersey], ca. 1947
Albert Einstein & Alfred Einstein Signed Book On Mozart! Beckett LOA
SB

A musical biography of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, boldly signed by not one, but two Einsteins, on the half title page: physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955), as "A. Einstein 1947"; and musicologist Alfred Einstein (1880-1952), as "Alfred Einstein." 1947, probably ca. April 25, 1947. [Princeton, New Jersey.] The first edition hardcover copy of Alfred Einstein's book, translated by Arthur Mendel and Nathan Broder, is entitled "Mozart: His Character, His Work" (London: Cassell and Company Limited, 1946.) On the half title page above Albert Einstein and Alfred Einstein's signatures, is inscribed: "Princeton University, New Jersey 47."

In original red cloth covers with gilt spine. Expected wear including spine sun-fading, and scattered wear, loss, and bumping to the cover corners, with minor separation between the top left edge of the spine and the back cover. Isolated minor splits affecting the binding within. Uneven toning on the first few loose and paste down pages of the front and back, else very good to near fine. Preface, Table of Contents, and List of Plates: vii-xii; 3-471; Catalogue of Works and Index of Names: 485-492. 5.875" x 8.75" x 1.25." 8vo. Accompanied by a Beckett Letter of Authenticity, certification number AB71543, dated August 17, 2022.

They shared a very famous surname, but it remains unclear if or how the two Einsteins were related; they may have been distant cousins. Albert Einstein and Alfred Einstein had a photo opportunity in late April 1947 when the two met up at Princeton University. That was when Albert Einstein, a dedicated amateur violinist, had attended Alfred Einstein's lecture on "Expression and Symbol in the Italian Madrigal." Contemporary newspaper articles gleefully reported on the meeting of the two Einsteins; for example, see the April 25, 1947 issue of Newark, New Jersey's "The Star-Ledger" (included for reference.)

Music critic Alfred Einstein was a Mozart expert, having edited the first major revision of the Köchel catalogue, a comprehensive list of Mozart's compositions. Albert Einstein also loved music, especially Mozart: he started playing the violin at age 5 or 6, and quickly gravitated towards Mozart's violin sonatas. Gently cradling "Lina" - his nickname for each of his several, omnipresent violins - Albert Einstein would play in a weekly chamber music group at his Mercer Street home in Princeton, New Jersey. Albert Einstein loved serenading people with his violin, and he also played it in order to brainstorm and problem-solve. So profound was Albert Einstein's love of music that he once said, "If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music … I see my life in terms of music … I get most joy in life out of music."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Provenance: Becket LOA.
  • Dimensions: 5.875" x 8.75" x 1.25"
  • Medium: SB

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