Moses Hess, handwritten letter, addressed to his brother. Brussels, 1848. German.
Hess tells his brother that he intends to found a newspaper in Germany, and that until then he is in need of financial assistance, since he is still in debts.
"You asked in your last letter if I still get a salary. Well, soon we will found a newspaper in Germany; I shall let you know once it happens…my friend, Dr. Dronke…lent me 110 Francs, and he will collect the money from you…"
Moses Hess (1812-1875), a philosopher and socialist, one of the founding fathers of the Socialist movement in Europe, and the Socialist Zionism. Hess published essays, founded and edited periodicals with a socialistic agenda. Together with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, he was one of the founders of the Allied Communist Party. After alienating himself for many years from Judaism he went through a radical transformation in view of the 1848 revolutions and the movements to unite Germany and Italy which made it clear to him that the national aspect is central in modern existence. In 1862 he published his book "Rome and Jerusalem" introducing a complete Zionist theory, opposing assimilation and calling Jews to settle in Eretz Israel and to resume a life of labor.Leaf, 19.5 cm. Good-fair condition. Folding marks, creases and stains. Tear with minor damage to text at the upper part of the leaf.