Signed by Einstein on the front free endpaper, First Edition in first issue dust jacket of The World as I See it (New York: Philosophical Library, 1949). A tight, square, evidently unread copy, positively beautiful, presented in a custom clamshell box. "…achievements are based on the freedom of thought and of teaching, on the principle that the desire for truth must take precedence of all other desires."

Known throughout the world for his theory of special and general relativity, Albert Einstein, his very name synonymous with genius, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. Later, Einstein's quantum theory of light gave birth to a new field of study, quantum mechanics. After he published a popular book in 1920 entitled Relativity: The Special and The General Theory, Albert Einstein, virtually single-handedly, effected the transition from classical to modern physics.

While Einstein's scientific views were poorly understood even by scientists, (at times, the object of humor), an ever-increasing general public developed rather a curiosity about him. Rumors of his affairs with celebrities thrived, even with Marilyn Monroe. (One oft-repeated joke illustrates. Marilyn asks Einstein, "What if we were to marry? With my looks and your brain, what wonderful children we would have!" Einstein replies, "Yes, but what if they had my looks and your brain?") Enhanced by the aloofness of a life devoted primarily to research, the mystery encircling Einstein the scientist also enveloped Einstein the man. Does the erudite physicist believe in God? What are his views on the state of Israel? The political relationship between Arabs and Jews? Do his scientific views imply any pronouncements on good and evil, on Nazi Germany from which he escaped, on the world economic crisis?

Accordingly, Einstein the physicist in this first abridged edition of The World as I See it omits the essays on relativity and cognate subjects of his original Mein Weltbild (1934). He preserves his extensive, piercing essays, letters, and commentary concerning philosophy, religion, Judaism, economics, current events, government, politics, war and peace -- questions of universal interest that engaged his subtle and inspired mind. Einstein the man emerges alternately as thoughtful, complex, witty, subtle, and controversial. From his 1938 announcement that "I should much rather see reasonable agreement with the Arabs on the basis of living together in peace than the creation of a Jewish state," to his witty justification for "the patriotic women ought to be sent to the front in the next war instead of the men," readers discover a man fully as penetrating as his revolutionary scientific theories.

This stunning first edition, first printing copy of The World As I See it is still tight, evidently unread. No writings, plates or markings of any kind, save for Einstein s signature on the front flyleaf. The jacket has some mild toning to the back panel, light rubbing, and an almost imperceptible closed tear to the front panel. Encased in a lush navy linen clamshell box with the most highly celebrated equation in physics: "E =mc2" embossed on its front panel. You'll never find a finer copy. Book #Bv2402. $14,500. More signed Einstein and other landmark books of science, including Galileo and Newton, available in our "Circle of Thought." Please inquire.