The majority 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), but none of them are by Einstein. This shows that Otto Nathan did not keep ‘our’ volume in his private library and implies it is the only book– understood to date– he got from Albert Einstein that contains a commitment,” describes Dr. Joachim Kreische, Director of Dortmund University Library.
As far as the material is concerned, the commitment can be positioned within the left-liberal milieu of Jewish intellectual exiles in the USA throughout the McCarthy era, a duration marked by intense 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 meant to be understood ironically, as it threatened at that time to publicly hold socialist views,” explains Professor Walter Grünzweig.
Event Showcasing the Historical Context
On Thursday, 18 June, the collection existed at Emil Figge Library, together with readings from selected classics. In addition, Dr. Stephanie Marra discussed the research conducted in conjunction with Einstein’s commitment to Otto Nathan, and Professor Walter Grünzweig placed it within the paths and fates of Jewish intellectuals in the U.S.A. throughout the post-war period. The event was part of the USA@250 program.
About USA@250!.?.! On 4 July 2026, the U.S.A. will commemorate the 250th anniversary of its Declaration. To mark this occasion, the City of Dortmund and TU Dortmund University, together with partners from academia, culture and society, are sending out a strong signal for democratic values and transatlantic relationship. With over 80 occasions– consisting of concerts, exhibitions and panel debates– they will highlight the lots of links between Dortmund and the USA throughout this anniversary year.
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