TLS signed “A. Einstein,” one page, 8.5 x 11, blind stamped personal letterhead, October 24, 1954. Letter to George Seldes sending thanks and providing comments to some quotes sent to Einstein. In full: “Thank you very much for sending me your book with the excellent title. I shall certainly read it carefully. I am returning your quotations with my remarks attached on a separate sheet.” Affixed to the bottom of the letter is an 8.5 x 3.5 sheet with eight lines of typed remarks from Einstein which correspond to the typed sheet of quotations sent to Einstein. The first four are as follows, with Einstein’s typed remarks coming first and the related quotation following in parentheses:
“1) from a letter to my colleague, Prof. Max Born” “(I cannot believe that God plays dice with the world. Letter to a colleague, Prof. Max Born).”
“2) genuine.” “(Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudice, but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence and fulfills the duty to express the results of his thought in clear form. Letter to Dr. M. I. Cohen, in Bertrand Russell affair, NY World-Telegram, March 19, 1940).”
“3) The original publication of this result appeared in a short paper in ‘Annalen der Physik,’ 1905.” “(E=mc2 * E standing for the energy expressed in ergs, m the mass in grams, and c the speed of light in centimeters per second, Time, December 3, 1945. Original publication in Annalen der Physik, 1905.).” This quote has several green cross-outs through the text.
“4) This remark was not made by me. But there exists a similar statement in a popular book by Clerk Maxwell (Space Has No Beams).” (There is no hitching post in the universe. To a reporter who asked for a definition of relativity ‘in one line.’)” This quote is crossed out on the sheet.
“5), 6), 7) genuine.” One of the three quotes reads: “(Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. Notes of Pacifism.)”
In fine condition, with light block of toning over letter and remarks, paperclip impression to top edge of letter and affixed slip, and a small tape remnant to top edge.
By the mid 1950s George Seldes had been branded as a Communist, a muckraker, and one who was unfit for publication. This led him to write a book he thought he could get published and would generate some much needed revenue. The resulting text was an anthology called The Great Quotations and it was in an effort to get authentic quotes from the greatest mind of the twentieth century that he wrote to Einstein seeking his confirmation or editing of the quotes he had attributed to him. This reply from Einstein contains his notes on quotes said to have originated from him and is as precise and factual as the calculations that made him famous. Also included is the original sheet of quotes Seldes sent Einstein for his verification, with rejected quotes crossed out. Here the greatest mind of the twentieth century is setting the record straight about what he did and didn't say! Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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