Albert Einstein (1879-1955). Autograph correspondence card signed (‘Albert’) to Michele Besso, [Geneva], 23 July 1927.

In German, one page, 148 x 105mm, written in pencil.

Please note this lot is the property of a private consignor.

Published in Pierre Speziali (ed.) Albert Einstein. Michele Besso. Correspondance 1903-1955. Paris: Hermann, 1972. No. 91

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Lot Essay

Meeting Besso in Geneva

Einstein is in Geneva for the sittings of the League of Nations, and is not sure how much longer they will last. 'So the best thing would be if you came to Geneva, and as soon as you can'. Einstein will await Besso at the Hotel d'Angleterre until Thursday unless he hears otherwise – after that he has to head off to Zuoz to join his younger son Eduard ('Tete').

In the event, Besso was to reach Einstein's hotel in Geneva on the Tuesday, only to find his friend already departed; they instead met up on the following day in St Moritz, and spent a memorable two days together in the mountains. As Speziali (1972, p.237, n.1) notes, this marks the chronological centre-point of their friendship, and it was to be a shared memory to which they referred in later years.