Albert Einstein's letter shows life in Norfolk as Nazis wanted him dead
A letter has emerged showing Albert Einstein's life in England as he fled Nazi death threats - he was protected by a 24-hour police guard and local men armed with shotguns
An enthralling letter penned by Albert Einstein 92 years ago has been uncovered, revealing how he cherished the "enviable solitude" of Norfolk while evading the Nazi regime.
The celebrated physicist escaped to Belgium following Hitler's ascent but continued to be under threat.
Inadequate police protection necessitated his journey across to Dover, after which he was chauffeured to a modest 9m2 hut on Roughton Heath, near Cromer, generously provided by Conservative MP Oliver Locker-Lampson.
Einstein expressed to his son Eduard in a letter that despite the austere living situation, he was savouring the quietness of his retreat, dedicating most of his time to mathematics and running outdoors to keep warm.
Commencing the correspondence dated September 23, 1933, from Cromer, he candidly shared: "Times have been rather turbulent... It was actually reported... plans for my assassination... My little house... consists of a single room... Outside the door you have immediate access to Mother Nature."
He described the Nazi domination of his native Germany as "a revolution of the stupid against the rational" and even welcomed guests like sculptor Jacob Epstein, who sculpted a bust in his likeness, reports the Express.
Einstein departed England for the United States in October 1933 and never revisited Europe before his demise in 1955.
This two-page document, which remained within the Einstein family circles until 2001, is set to go under the hammer at Christie's London, with an expected valuation between £20,000 and £25,000.
Thomas Venning, a specialist in books at Christie's, commented: "It shows Einstein's humour amid stress.
Despite threats, he joked about getting peace and quiet when dead but not enjoying it. His line about Nazism as a 'revolution of the stupid against the rational' was a powerful critique. His love of solitude and nature shines through."
Venning further noted the irony of the globally renowned genius taking refuge in a Norfolk hut, protected by locals armed with shotguns, describing it as "Dad's Army-like". He also pointed out that the coverage by the British press diminished the secrecy of his hideaway.
The auction is set for 9 July.
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