Historical Manuscripts Signature Auction

Heritage Auctions presents a selection of historical manuscripts and documents in their upcoming sale. One highlight is a letter that Albert Einstein sent to his friend Michele Besso. The two-page letter, accompanied by a four-page reply from Besso, includes the original envelope. An engineer and colleague, Besso was a close friend of Einstein and helped him develop many of his ideas about special relativity. Einstein’s signed letter, written in German, addresses issues associated with the unified field theory, also showing a handwritten equation. Several letters written by Einstein addressed to his assistant Ernst Straus will be included as well.

Signed documents from American leaders such as John F. Kennedy, George Washington, and William Henry Harrison are also available. Kennedy’s uncensored campaign notes, which were used as a form of communication with his staff while he suffered from laryngitis, are particularly highlighted. The 98 handwritten pages by Kennedy describe his campaign plans and philosophies. A presentation copy of the Constitution of the United States and a letter typed by Helen Keller are other notable lots. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Heritage Auctions.