Description:

Albert Einstein
Cristóbal, Panama, December 31, 1932
Albert & Elsa Einstein Dual ALS on South American Vacation
ALS
Two letters on a single bifolium from Elsa and Albert Einstein on Hamburg-Amerika Linie stationary, addressed to notable correspondent Karen Stampe-Bendix. 3pp, 5.5" x 7.25", Cristóbal, Panama, December 31, 1932. The couple, vacationing in South America aboard the M.S. Oakland, writes two separate letters to their friend "Frau Stampe". Signed "Elsa Einstein" and "A. Einstein", at the upper and lower right of third page, respectively. Exhibits expected letter folds, light age toning, and scattered creasing present. Two very good examples overall- a unique look into the scientist's personal life!

Elsa begins by writing of the journey:

"We are having a marvelous time on this trip… Nowhere else is my husband as relaxed, sweet, easy going, and removed from the daily routine than on a ship carrying him far away. We are reading a great deal, he spends much time pondering and thinking…."

Einstein then continues, after thanking Stampe-Bendix for sending him and his wife a fruit basket:

"This extensive sea voyage once again is a wonderful chance for complete relaxation and an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective."

Albert Einstein married his first maternal cousin Elsa on June 2, 1919 following his divorce from first wife, Mileva. While the couple did not have any children of their own, Einstein formally adopted his two stepdaughters and raised them as his own. Together the family moved to the Berlin area and later acquired a summer house in nearby Potsdam in 1929. The Einsteins ultimately fled Germany, however, upon Hitler's rise to power, whereupon Albert and Elsa immigrated to Princeton, New Jersey. Just two years later in 1935, Elsa was diagnosed with a series of health problems, eventually succumbing to her illness that December.

Karen Stampe-Bendix (1881-1963) was a journalist and writer-at-large from a Danish family of intellectuals. Her daughter Lilian Ellis later became a film star of the 1930s and 40s.

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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  • Dimensions: 5.5" x 7.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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