Historic Document Warned President Roosevelt About Nazi Nuclear Ambitions

  • Albert Einstein’s letter to FDR warning about Germany’s nuclear research up for sale
  • Letter could fetch $4 million at Christie’s auction
  • Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen previously owned the letter
  • Sale follows $1.6 billion art collection selloff in 2020

A letter written by Albert Einstein in 1939, warning President Franklin D. Roosevelt about Germany’s nuclear research, is set to be auctioned off at Christie’s for up to $4 million. The letter was previously owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. It prompted the formation of the Manhattan Project.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed and accurate account of the historical significance of Albert Einstein’s letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt regarding nuclear research and the Manhattan Project. The information is well-researched and presented objectively without sensationalism or bias. The article stays focused on the main topic without unnecessary digressions or tangential details.·
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed account of the historical significance of Einstein’s letter to Roosevelt and its upcoming sale at Christie’s. However, it includes some irrelevant information about Paul Allen’s other collections and auctions, which detracts from the main topic. The article could benefit from focusing more on the scientific and historical importance of the letter.·
Public Companies: Microsoft (MSFT)
Key People: Paul Allen (Microsoft co-founder), Marc Porter (Chairman of Christie’s Americas), William Harris (Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum)


Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Art market
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the auction of a historical letter written by Albert Einstein to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is expected to sell for at least $4 million. The sale of such an important document can impact the art market and may attract collectors who see a connection between Einstein’s warning about nuclear research and subsequent technological breakthroughs that fueled the space race and computer age.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: null·

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com