Letters to Solovine, 1906–1955
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3.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A provocative collection of letters to his longtime friend and translator that spans Einstein’s career and reveals the inner thoughts and daily life of a transformative genius
From their early days as tutor and scholar discussing philosophy over Spartan dinners to their work together to publish Einstein’s books in Europe, in Maurice Solovine, Albert Einstein found both an engaged mind and a loyal friend. While Einstein frequently shared his observations on science, politics, philosophy, and religion in his correspondence with Solovine, he was just as likely to express his feelings about everyday life—his health and the effects of aging and his experiences in the various places where he settled and visited in his long career. The letters are both funny and frank, and taken together, reflect the changes—large and small—that took place over a half century and in the remarkable life of the world’s foremost scientist. Published in English alongside the German text and accompanied by facsimile copies of the original letters, the collected Letters to Solovine offers scholar and interested reader alike unprecedented access to the personal life of Albert Einstein. This authorized ebook features a new introduction by Neil Berger, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Albert Einstein, which includes rare photos and never-before-seen documents from the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
From 1906 until his death in 1955, Einstein wrote the letters and notes collected herewith facsimiles of the German originalsto Maurice Solovine, his longtime friend and the translator of his works into French. In the letters, the creator of the theory of relativity discusses translation questions, visits, problems with printers, arguments with other physicists and current events. (Shortly after Hitler seized power, he wrote, "I fear that this epidemic of hatred and violence will become widespread.'') He also discusses his sister's death, his ailing health in later years and his thoughts as he looks back on his career. (``You imagine that I regard my life's work with calm satisfaction. But a close look yields a completely different picture. I am not convinced of the certainty of a simple concept, and I am uncertain as to whether I was even on the right track.'') Although no groundbreaking new theories or insights appear here, this book does confirm our fond impression of Einstein. As Solovine puts it, ``I loved him and admired him profoundly for his basic goodness, his intellectual genius and his indomitable moral courage.''
