1918 Albert Einstein autograph letter signed (ALS) to his first wife Mileva
Albert Einstein - important ALS in German, signed "Albert". One page both sides, 5.5 x 8.75 inches. In good condition, with some light diagonal toning. Einstein wrote the letter to his first wife, the physicist and mathematician Mileva Maric on June 4, 1918. Einstein is asking her to "file the divorce papers as soon as convenient" and ensures her that he's put plans in place to secure the future welfare of her and the children. At the time the letter was written Einstein was already living next door to his future wife, Elsa, in Berlin. He was also continuing work on the general theory of relativity. Accompanied by a full English translation; see images.
Einstein married Mileva Maric on January 6, 1903. Einstein's marriage to Mileva was both a personal and intellectual partnership: Einstein referred to Mileva as 'a creature who is my equal and who is as strong and independent as I am.' They separated in 1914, and were officially divorced on February 14, 1919. Mileva would stay in Zurich, as would their boys, and Einstein supported them with nearly half of his salary; he would later place the award money from his 1921 Nobel Prize in a trust for their benefit.