Travel Diary

In the autumn of 1922, Albert Einstein took a trip across the Far and Near East lasting almost half a year. Along the thread of his complex route were strung Hong Kong and Singapore—two short stops in China—numerous lectures throughout Japan, nearly two weeks in Palestine, and three weeks in Spain. Under this cover is the full text of the diary that the physicist kept during the journey. Hasty notes reflect the author’s thoughts on science, philosophy, art, and politics, as well as fleeting impressions and detached reflections on current events. The notes attracted close attention from researchers because they also include indications of controversial views the author held on the racial question—views that are partly explained, of course, by the trends of the era. Einstein would continue to keep a notebook close at hand during travels. This is his first experience in publishing that reveals certain previously unknown details about the scientist’s personality—the first to encounter a vast, astonishing world.