On the 'extreme cult of personality' focused upon himself - photo 1

On the 'extreme cult of personality' focused upon himself

Starting price
£ 12 000
Auction dateClassic
16.07.2020 06:00UTC +01:00
Auctioneer
CHRISTIE'S
Event location
United Kingdom, London
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The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 370005
Lot 16 | On the 'extreme cult of personality' focused upon himself
Albert Einstein (1879-1955).

Autograph letter signed ('A. Einstein') to [Herman] Bernstein, 5 Haberlandstrasse, Berlin, 6 May 1929.

In German. One page, 189 x 148mm, bifolium, on personal stationery.

On the 'extreme cult of personality' focused upon himself. Einstein thanks Bernstein for the 'great trouble which you and other friends have given yourselves over my unworthy person' in arranging the worldwide celebration of Einstein's 50th birthday. He goes on 'Actually I have to admit to you frankly that – quite apart from the case in hand – I do not consider such an extreme cult of personality to be a good thing'. He will allow however that Bernstein has been able to use this to serve 'the Jewish matter' (Zionism) and he thanks him for this aspect of his work, and provides a letter to the chairmen of the US celebrations as requested.

The journalist, diplomat and Jewish activist Herman Bernstein (1876-1935) was the chairman of the Einstein Jubilee Committee, which organised a celebration in honour of Einstein's 50th birthday at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, on 16 April 1929. Einstein was at the height of his fame: not just the most famous scientist but arguably the most famous individual in the world.
Category:Letter
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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24.06.2020 – 16.07.2020
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