In this latest volume, Einstein's visible public persona is amply
documented in his correspondence, honors and prizes, lectures and
travels, articles, and the many solicitations asking him to join public
initiatives. Einstein joins a Zionist fundraising mission led by Ch.
Weizmann, and he visits the United States for the first time. Einstein
travels to major cities, including New York, Boston, and Chicago, and he
delivers his now famous Princeton Lectures.
Scientific issues remain at the core of Einstein's preoccupations.
Correspondence with N. Bohr, W. Bothe, P. Ehrenfest, H. Geiger, H. A.
Lorentz, L. Meitner, and A. Sommerfeld records Einstein's interest in
and contributions to the emerging modern quantum theory. He addresses
conceptual problems, such as the fundamental nature of light and its
emission mechanism, in a proposed experiment with canal rays. Einstein
continues to engage in original research, other expert opinions, and
patent applications.
Throughout the year, Einstein navigates complex territory in his
professional and personal life. He travels with his older son to
Bologna, yet turns down repeated invitations to Munich. He mends his
friendship with M. Born, but receives stinging criticism from F. Haber
for traveling to the United States. He supports the nomination of
Masaryk for a Nobel Peace Prize, travels to Amsterdam in order to
intervene on behalf of Germany at the Paris reparations conference, and
assists Russian physicists in their efforts to rebuild and develop
Russian science. Einstein's letters reveal his Social Democratic
political positions.