The Einstein Theory of Relativity. Part 1: The Special Theory

Lancaster, Pennsylvania: The Science Press Printing Company, 1936. First edition of American mathematician Lillian Lieber’s introduction to Albert Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, illustrated by her husband Hugh Lieber: the Liebers’ own hand-colored copy with their Brooklyn ownership stamp: “H.G.L.R. Lieber / 258 Clinton Ave. / Brooklyn, N.Y.” Privately printed while the pair were teaching mathematics at Long Island University, The Einstein Theory of Relativity reflects the Liebers’ commitment to popular science education, conveying complicated ideas without condescension: “At this point / Einstein took up the problem, / and decided that / a natural ‘conspiracy’ / must be a natural LAW operating.” Lillian’s signature prose style has the appearance of free verse, with frequent line breaks intended to focus the mind, while Hugh’s whimsical line drawings make the matter at hand less intimidating. Throughout the 1930s and early 1940s, the Liebers published their unconventional mathematics titles in small print runs. In 1944, Norton reissued The Education of T.C. MITS (The Celebrated Man In The Street), an introduction to modern mathematics that became a surprise hit when it was offered as a paperback GI edition to overseas troops. This 1945 trade edition of The Einstein Theory of Relativity is designed to capitalize on the Liebers’ growing readership. Einstein himself enjoyed the book, contributing a jacket blurb: “Not only stimulating to the layman, but also will tend to counteract a too narrow specialization on the part of professional mathematicians.” The trade edition includes the text of the 1936 edition, with an updated preface, and adds a second part devoted to Einstein’s General Theory, concluding with a timely discussion of the atomic bomb. The Liebers’ own copy of one of their most influential collaborations, accompanied by a copy of the subsequent trade edition. Single volume, measuring 8.5 x 5 inches: [6], 73, [3]. Original spiral-bound buff pictorial wrappers with blank protective outer leaves and “endpapers” printed on buff stock. Text printed in brown ink, diagrams throughout text. Eight full-page plates including frontispiece, some partially hand-colored. Embossed ownership stamp of Hugh and Lillian Lieber to title page. Shallow chipping to protective outer leaves. Offered with: first trade edition published by Farrar & Rinehart in 1945. Single volume, measuring 8 x 5.5 inches: x, 324. Original pictorial red cloth stamped in blind, spine lettered in gilt. Original unclipped color pictorial dust jacket. Diagrams and illustrations throughout text. Text block toned; light wear and soil to dust jacket, spine sunned. (Inventory #: 1004064)