LS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Nassau Point, Peconic, L.I. letterhead, June 27, 1938. Letter to Dr. Wladimir Woytinsky in Washington, D.C. regarding a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize, who, in Einstein’s opinion, is not suitable because he neglected to do anything to inform the German people about the facts regarding the events of the war in his work. Giving Kautsky (the Nobel candidate) the prize, according to Einstein, is of no political value in “resolving the actual peace problems of the year 1938.” In fine condition, with bisecting folds, one fold through very last letter of signature, paperclip impression to top edge, and two punch holes to left edge. Kautsky was nominated for his works "Krieg und Demokratie" and "Sozialisten und Krieg.". He tried to reveal the factors that caused society to go to war and to shed light upon the sociology of war. Kautsky believed that if society knew what caused war, then it would be possible both to prevent war and to establish lasting peace. He based his research on reality and actual facts, and not on some farfetched fantasy. He also fought against civil war ideology. Kautsky did not win the prize, and the point was ultimately moot, as Kautsky died in October of 1938. The winner of the prize in 1938 was Office International Nansen pour les Réfugiés (Nansen International Office for Refugees), Geneva, Switzerland, an international relief organization, started by Fridtjof Nansen in 1921. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
