1921: An English publisher visits German scientists. Original letters edited and annotated. Recent developments in theoretical physics, especially the theory of relativity, interested many readers. This was no longer something just for specialists with a solid grasp of mathematics. Much of the work had be done in Germany. There was clearly a demand for good books in English explaining the new theories and results. Especially anything by Einstein would sell well. It was three years after the end of the First World War. In Germany turbulent politics and a host of economic and social problems made life difficult – also for business travellers. "There is a good deal of apparent hardship. Even at the very good-class flat of the Moszkowskis things are now on the lowest scale." “... and had a cup of what is called tea in Berlin – a very weak solution taken with sugar only!” Einstein proved difficult to locate: “I was at Prof. Einstein’s this morning but had a great disappointment for he has gone to Italy. ... Mrs. Einstein and her daughter apparently try to keep him in order but I gather that it is difficult.” But eventually there was a short meeting: “[Einstein] was very friendly but he is the most unusual man one can imagine.” (Flyer with link to pdf document)

1. Among the pictures in my grandfather's house was a signed photograph
of Einstein. When first shown it, I was just old enough to have heard of
Einstein and asked where it came from. Well, my grandfather was a
publisher, and had once visited the famous scientist to discuss a book
on the theory of relativity. Many years later, I found out more: there
were copies of letters giving almost daily updates of his trip to Germany
in the autumn of 1921. The object was to talk German scientists and
find books that would be worth translating into English.
At that time, recent developments in theoretical physics, especially the
theory of relativity, interested many readers. This was no longer
something just for specialists with a solid grasp of mathematics. Much
of the work had be done in Germany. There was clearly a demand for
good books in English explaining the new theories and results.
Several of the letters include lists of books which give an idea of the
important scientific topics at that time. Some of the authors are well-
known, others rather obscure, but information on almost all of them
could be found on the internet. A list with brief biographical details is
included. I have also added background historical information.
Available as pdf file (free for personal use) at
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YhkajBuDGMUL95I5cUdfppiNp
xBPKFhQabicaGPT-O0/edit?usp=sharing

2. “I was at Prof. Einstein’s this morning but had a great disappointment for he has gone to
Italy. ... Mrs. Einstein and her daughter apparently try to keep him in order but I gather
that it is difficult.”
“... and had a cup of what is called tea in Berlin – a very weak solution taken with sugar
only!”
“[Einstein] was very friendly but he is the most unusual man one can imagine.”
Dennis Miller, born 1951 in London, has lived
in Germany for many years. He worked as a
physical chemist in industry and is now semi-
retired. Interests include history/philosophy of
science and colloid science.
E-mail:
djm-scientific@mail.de