Albert Einstein letter to his son discussing solving his Unified Field Theory up for auction
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Sunday, September 14, 2025


Albert Einstein letter to his son discussing solving his Unified Field Theory up for auction
In 1924, Einstein had finished laying the essential groundwork for his most complex and ambitious theory yet—the Unified Field Theory, an attempt to explain the nature of gravity in terms of the laws of electromagnetism.



BOSTON, MASS.- A letter written by physicist Albert Einstein to his son discussing his happiness with his work to solve the Unified Field Theory will be auctioned by Boston-based RR Auction.

The one page letter in German, signed “Papa,” undated but circa early 1929. Letter to his son Eduard Einstein, nicknamed “Tetel,” in full (translated): “Your letter made me very happy, particularly your comment regarding the hotel. Just like you, I hate it and it is with delight that I am detecting here a deep inner kinship between us, which I treasure. It seems to me it has been so long since I have seen you and I am longing to have you around me once again.

For Easter, Albert and his wife will be visiting here. You could be coming at the same time, no matter. I would make sure you have sleeping quarters at a friend’s house while Albert is here. By the way, there is still another hurdle. On the 14th of March I have to flee to escape from my 50th Birthday Party otherwise I would run the risk of perhaps getting seasick. But there is still a lot of time until Easter. At any rate, I certainly want to see you before you graduate from High School.

I am now very happy because I finally solved to my total satisfaction, after immensely intensive work, my gravitation-electricity problem. This, in a way, concludes my life’s work—the remainder simply is bonus material. Remarkably, how through all this strenuous work I made it in good shape and am feeling quite well. I do, however, practically live the life of a recluse and follow a frugal way of live. When we see each other again, I shall try to explain to you and describe this lifestyle a bit. In no way do I expect your approval and perhaps desire to join this guild. I could not care less.

Don’t get overwhelmed by that heavy volume of a book I sent you. One should read it in small segments, always keeping in mind that this represents chosen selections of intellectual work through the centuries, expressed by an unimportant, but decent and clear thinking human being.”

He adds a postscript, in full: “I have been reading with great admiration Bernard Shaw’s new book on Socialism and Capitalism. I will be sending it to you soon and strongly recommend you definitely read this remarkable book.”

In 1924, Einstein had finished laying the essential groundwork for his most complex and ambitious theory yet—the Unified Field Theory, an attempt to explain the nature of gravity in terms of the laws of electromagnetism.

After making further refinements, he published the theory in 1929. The ideas he put forward conflicted with the emerging understanding of quantum mechanics, which put him at odds with much of the physics community at large; these disagreements led to a famous falling out with fellow Nobel winner Niels Bohr.

Although he continued to work on the Unified Field Theory for the rest of his life, Einstein—despite his exuberance in the present letter—was never able to satisfactorily master the problem, and it remains unsolved to this day.

“Einstein does not usually talk about his life’s work— that’s what make’s the letter spectacular,” said Robert Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. “The letter reveals Einstein as both an accomplished physicist and caring father, this is a remarkable letter with simply extraordinary content.”

Among other items featured:

• Albert Einstein letter to the widow of New York Dr. Isidore W. Held, who was involved in helping Jewish intellectuals escape from Nazi Germany and published articles on behalf of persecuted Jewish physicians.

• Albert Einstein typed letter at the height of WWII, Einstein pledges “my influence” to a would-be Jewish refugee.

• Vintage glossy press photo of Einstein in a candid moment, signed in the lower border.

Online bidding for the Fine Autographs and Artifacts auction from RR Auction began on September 27 and will conclude on October 12.










Today's News

October 7, 2016

McNay Art Museum presents "Telling Tales: Contemporary Narrative Photography"

New York plans new museum for Statue of Liberty visitors

Conservation of a 17th-century painting reveals a previously hidden self-portrait of the artist

French minister says stolen art may fund terror via 'free ports'

Ansel Adams' camera highlights photography offerings at Heritage

Portland Art Museum announces Rothko partnership, expansion

As China rises, top-selling painter looks to his roots

Yellowing Taj Mahal to go under scaffold for 'mud pack'

National Portrait Gallery stages first major exhibition of Picasso portraits for twenty years

National Gallery of Art acquires masterpiece by Caspar Netscher

Recreated treasures of Iraq and Syria on show at Colosseum

Most comprehensive survey to date of preeminent American artist Agnes Martin opens at the Guggenheim

France's Apocalypse Tapestry to be restored to medieval glory

Doyle sets world auction record for Daniel Huntington

Albert Einstein letter to his son discussing solving his Unified Field Theory up for auction

Prince's secretive studio complex opens to the public

In Old Damascus, a sombre exhibit of artists who have fled Syria's war

Espace Muraille exhibits works by Swiss artist Philippe Lardy

Pinault Collection on view for the first time in Germany at Museum Folkwang

Solo exhibition of new work by Toby Ziegler opens at Simon Lee Gallery

Exhibition of Congolese popular paintings opens at Centre for Fine Arts Brussels

Moderna Museet features Thomas Schütte's oeuvre in a major exhibition

"From here to eternity" opens at Maison Particulière

Ghana government wants to relocate 'racist' Gandhi statue




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 




Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)


Editor: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful