Most of Einstein’s estate is held at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “Seventeen autographs were found in Otto Nathan’s personal library, which was moved to Saxon State and University Library Dresden (SLUB), however none of them are by Einstein. This indicates that Otto Nathan did not keep ‘our’ volume in his personal library and implies it is the only book– known to date– he got from Albert Einstein which contains a dedication,” describes Dr. Joachim Kreische, Director of Dortmund University Library.
As far as the content is worried, the commitment can be positioned within the left-liberal milieu of Jewish intellectual exiles in the USA during the McCarthy age, a period marked by extreme anti-communism. As a left-wing pacifist, Nathan also suffered political reprisals. “The sign in ‘Socialism and American Life’ is worded rather cryptically and perhaps likewise indicated to be comprehended paradoxically, as it threatened at that time to publicly hold socialist views,” describes Teacher Walter Grünzweig.
Occasion Showcasing the Historical Context
On Thursday, 18 June, the collection existed at Emil Figge Library, together with readings from picked classics. In addition, Dr. Stephanie Marra discussed the research study performed in combination with Einstein’s dedication to Otto Nathan, and Professor Walter Grünzweig positioned it within the paths and fates of Jewish intellectuals in the U.S.A. throughout the post-war period. The occasion belonged to the USA@250 program.
About USA@250!.?.! On 4 July 2026, the U.S.A. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its Declaration. To mark this celebration, the City of Dortmund and TU Dortmund University, together with partners from academia, culture and society, are sending a strong signal for democratic worths and transatlantic friendship. With over 80 occasions– including concerts, exhibitions and panel disputes– they will highlight the lots of links in between Dortmund and the USA throughout this anniversary year.
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