A remarkable letter by Einstein on the economist Henry George

Lot 51

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Rare Books, Autographs & Maps

By Doyle

Nov 25, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-11-25 10:00:00 2025-11-25 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Rare Books, Autographs & Maps https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/doyle/rare-books-autographs-maps-21321 Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 10am Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Collection Doyle info@doyle.com

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Lot Description

EINSTEIN, ALBERT Typed letter signed. Caputh, near Potsdam: October 10, 1931. Single-page typed letter, signed A. Einstein, written on a single sheet. The letter is in German and with a two-word interlinear manuscript emendation in his hand. Minor foxing, usual folds, toned, tiny hole in margin at head. An important letter on the economic theories of the American social philosopher and economist Henry George, this is addressed to Mrs. R. W. Evans of Bryn Maur [sic], Pennsylvania. In translation, it reads as follows: Dear Mrs. Evans! I have read Henry George’s book for the most part with great interest and believe that it represents an incontestable position in the main, particularly as regards the cause of poverty. The views expressed in this book are, as far as I can judge, entirely in agreement with the results of the contemporary Professor Franz Oppenheimer, who evidently discovered them independently. I do not agree with the "theory of interest." However, the proposed remedy of nationalizing the land and mineral resources seems to me to be more of a problem than a solution. For example, should a piece of land be the property of the community, but the house built on it be private property? In any case, it is of the utmost importance that the nature of the problem is clearly shown. For this reason alone, it would be important if the book were to receive the attention it deserves. With great respect, A. Einstein We are aware of two other letters on the subject of Henry George written by Einstein, those addressed to the industrialist E. Paul du Pont in 1935. One of these two also mentions Professor Oppenheimer.

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