Unique leatherbound hardcover 'Golden Book' guestbook of the Cuban Geographical Society, 10.5 x 13.5, signed inside on the first six pages by visiting scientific dignitaries—highlighted by Albert Einstein in December 1930, along with his wife, Elsa Einstein, and his mathematician assistant Walther Mayer, nicknamed 'Einstein's calculator.' Albert Einstein boldly pens a passionate declaration in German (translated): "The first truly universal society was the society of researchers. May the coming generation establish a political and economic society which will insure us against catastrophes."
Among the other signers in the volume are polar explorer Hubert Wilkins and members of his expedition: pilot Carl Ben Eielson, pilot Joe Crosson, and mechanic Orval H. Porter; geologist Albert Perry Brigham; publisher, philanthropist, and aviator Harry F. Guggenheim (signing "on behalf of my distinguished countryman and good friend Richard E. Byrd"); and cartographer Erwin Raisz (who adds a fine sketch of a plane soaring over the island nation). Additionally signed on the title page by Juan Manuel Planas Sainz, a pioneering Spanish-language science fiction writer considered the 'Jules Verne of Cuba,' who was then serving as president of the Sociedad Geografica de Cuba. In very good to fine condition, with scattered foxing, toning, and dampstaining throughout, affecting only appearance and none of the bold handwriting.
In December 1930, Einstein visited Cuba for a day-and-a-half—a jaunt made while en route to San Diego aboard the Belgenland, which stopped in Havana before passing through the Panama Canal. There he received a hero's welcome from the leaders of the Academy of Medical, Physical, and Natural Sciences of Havana, the Geographical Society of Cuba, and the local Jewish community. During his visit, Einstein gave a series of lectures on relativity theory and quantum mechanics at the University of Havana and the National Capitol.
Einstein's visit to Cuba was also significant in terms of the political and social context of the time. Cuba was then a relatively new republic, having gained its independence from Spain in 1902, but was still struggling with economic and social challenges, as well as political instability. Einstein's visit was seen as a sign of solidarity with the Cuban people, and his lectures on science and philosophy were seen as a way of promoting education and enlightenment in the country. In the passage penned here, he recognizes the importance of scientific collaboration in bridging differences across sociopolitical boundaries.
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