The present volume, set in the turbulent post-World War I period, finds
Einstein awaiting news of the 1919 British eclipse expedition to test
the general relativistic prediction of the deflection of starlight by
the sun. With the expedition's success, he becomes the first science
celebrity of our age. Deeply interested in the other, stellar redshift
test of his theory, Einstein supports astronomers engaged in
experimental work on the issue. Piqued by early suggestions of a unified
field theory, he ponders how to unify gravitation and electromagnetic
field theory and also works to resolve contradictions between the new
quantum physics and relativity. His open-minded exchanges with
colleagues may challenge his later image as the stubborn critic of
quantum mechanics.
We see Einstein deeply engaged in discussing social and political
issues, participating in humanitarian efforts, and intervening on behalf
of intellectuals condemned to death after the fall of the Bavarian
Soviet republic. He faced anti-Semitic outbursts, reflected increasingly
on his own identity as a Jew and assisted in efforts toward the
establishment of the Hebrew University. As an internationalist opponent
of war, and a German-speaking Swiss citizen whose renown was sealed by
the Englishman Eddington's confirmation of relativity, Einstein
mitigated postwar hostility toward German scholars.
Correspondence with family and friends documents his divorce, remarriage
to his cousin, and his closeness to his two sons. Notwithstanding
evidence in newly uncovered material concerning efforts to lure Einstein
back to Switzerland, and also to the Netherlands, Einstein, entertaining
high hopes for the young Weimar Republic, remained in Berlin. This
volume reveals new facets of Einstein as he constructively participated
in German and European scientific, academic, and cultural life.
Since this translation includes only select portions of Volume 9, it is
not recommended for purchase without the main volume.
