Hans Wolfgang Maier was born in Frankfurt in 1882 as the youngest of three sons of Gustav and Regina Maier-Friedlaender. In 1892, the family moved to Switzerland, mainly to escape the professional barriers erected for Jews in Germany, who were not allowed to work in public service. There, Gustav Maier declared Judaism a family secret and joined the liberal reformed Zwingli church with his family; he retired from banking and became a writer, ethicist, and pacifist. In fall 1895, the 16-year-old Albert Einstein was a guest at the Maier home in Zurich and Gustav assisted the gifted young man to be accepted at the Federal Polytechnical School, ETH to study physics (see the book Gustav Maier. Sponsor of the young Albert Einstein, published by the same author). Hence, since 1895 Hans was acquainted with Albert Einstein; 38 years later, Albert's son Eduard, a brilliant medical student, started having mental problems and became the patient of Hans, who had become director of the Psychiatric University Clinic at Zurich, the "Burghölzli". This book illustrates the life of the psychiatrist Hans Wolfgang Maier and his family with documents and images from a private Maier family archive.
More information about the history of the Maier, Meierhofer and Anner families can be found on this website: https://www.themaierannerfiles.ch/
Table of Contents
- Goetheplatz in Frankfurt am Main
- Ermatingen on Lake Constance
- Hans Wolfgang Meets Albert Einstein
- At Home in the Burghölzli
- HW Maier Protects Eduard Einstein
- Kristallnacht 1938
- Farewell
Objectives and Key Themes
This book aims to present a biographical account of Hans Wolfgang Maier, focusing on his professional life as a psychiatrist and his personal connections to the Einstein family. It utilizes source material from the Maier family archives to illuminate Maier's life and work, providing a counter-narrative to the negative publicity he experienced later in his career.
- The professional life and career of Hans Wolfgang Maier.
- The relationship between the Maier and Einstein families.
- The impact of anti-Semitism on the lives of the Maier and Einstein families.
- The social and political climate in Switzerland during the rise of Nazism.
- The "Maier Affair" and its consequences.
Chapter Summaries
Goetheplatz in Frankfurt am Main: This chapter details the early life of Gustav Maier, Hans Wolfgang Maier's father, focusing on his time as director of the Deutsche Handelsgesellschaft in Frankfurt. It explores Gustav's family life, his marriage to Regina Friedlaender, and the social context of their lives within the Jewish community of Frankfurt. The chapter includes extensive details about Gustav's family background and the circumstances surrounding his marriage, drawing heavily on archival material such as letters, photographs, and official documents. The narrative emphasizes Gustav's professional success and the social standing of his family within Frankfurt's Jewish community. The chapter sets the stage for later chapters by highlighting the family's origins and their eventual move to Switzerland to escape rising anti-Semitism in Germany.
Ermatingen on Lake Constance: This chapter chronicles the Maier family's move to Villa Breitenstein in Ermatingen, Switzerland, and explores family dynamics within the multi-generational household. It delves into the complex relationship between Gustav Maier and his brother Hermann, including a detailed account of a significant family rift and subsequent reconciliation. The chapter extensively quotes a letter from Gustav Maier to his children, revealing intimate family details and perspectives on themes of familial responsibility, forgiveness, and the impact of choices on family relationships. The significance of the family's conversion to the Reformed Church in the Swiss context is addressed, contrasting this action with the family's initial Jewish heritage and the growing threat of antisemitism in Germany.
Hans Wolfgang Meets Albert Einstein: This chapter focuses on the connection between Hans Wolfgang Maier and Albert Einstein, starting with the young Einstein's arrival in Zurich seeking help from the Maier family. The chapter highlights Gustav Maier’s role in assisting Einstein, securing his access to education and providing him with crucial support during a difficult period of his life. It emphasizes the strong friendship between the two families, rooted in their shared Jewish heritage and extended to include Albert's son, Eduard. The chapter further underscores Gustav’s efforts in helping Einstein with his naturalization in Zurich, providing compelling evidence of their close relationship. The close bond and the mutual support offered illuminate the broader themes of friendship, patronage, and the significance of community within times of hardship and upheaval.
At Home in the Burghölzli: This chapter describes Hans Wolfgang Maier's long career at the Burghölzli psychiatric clinic in Zurich. It discusses his work in various areas of psychiatry, his contributions to the clinic's development, and his commitment to both his patients and staff. The chapter includes excerpts from a commemorative album created by the Burghölzli staff, underscoring their deep respect and gratitude for Maier. The significant contributions of Maier to his field are meticulously detailed, providing the reader with an extensive overview of his diverse work in child psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction treatment, coupled with his dedication to advancing the clinic's infrastructure and staff training. The chapter highlights Maier’s progressive views and his efforts to integrate psychiatric knowledge into wider societal practices.
HW Maier Protects Eduard Einstein: This chapter centers on Hans Wolfgang Maier's care for Eduard Einstein, Albert Einstein's son, who suffered from schizophrenia. It recounts personal anecdotes and archival information illuminating Maier's professional and personal relationship with Eduard. The chapter also introduces the perspective of Elisabeth Maier, the author's sister, who worked at the Burghölzli and interacted with Eduard. The significance of Maier’s actions in protecting Eduard’s medical records from the Nazis and his shielding of Eduard from the eugenics program is emphasized, showcasing Maier's profound ethical and moral compass during a time of immense political pressure and social unrest.
Kristallnacht 1938: This chapter narrates the events surrounding Kristallnacht and the subsequent escape of Dr. jur. Max Friedlaender, the author's great-uncle, from Nazi Germany. It recounts Max Friedlaender's memoir, detailing his experience with the Gestapo and his successful flight to Zurich with the help of Hans Wolfgang Maier. The chapter highlights Maier’s pivotal role in facilitating Max’s escape and securing a visa for Switzerland, emphasizing the risks Maier took in helping his family member during a perilous time. It touches upon the broader context of rising anti-Semitism and the efforts of individuals to resist the Nazi regime, offering a firsthand account of the challenges of escape and the dangers faced by those fleeing persecution. This event serves as a turning point, signifying the heightening of persecution and the growing risks involved in acts of resistance and solidarity.
Keywords
Hans Wolfgang Maier, Eduard Einstein, Burghölzli, Psychiatry, Anti-Semitism, Nazism, Switzerland, Family History, Kristallnacht, Eugenics, Resistance, Albert Einstein, Maier Affair.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Biographical Account of Hans Wolfgang Maier
What is this book about?
This book offers a biographical account of Hans Wolfgang Maier, a psychiatrist, focusing on his professional life and his relationship with the Einstein family. It uses materials from the Maier family archives to present a counter-narrative to the negative publicity Maier faced later in his career. Key themes include Maier's professional life, his connection to the Einstein family, the impact of anti-Semitism, the social and political climate in Switzerland during the rise of Nazism, and the "Maier Affair."
What are the main objectives of the book?
The book aims to present a comprehensive biography of Hans Wolfgang Maier, exploring his professional career, his relationship with the Einstein family, the influence of anti-Semitism on their lives, and the socio-political context of Switzerland during the Nazi era. It also aims to address and counter the negative aspects of the "Maier Affair."
What topics are covered in each chapter?
The book is structured chronologically. Chapters cover: Gustav Maier's early life in Frankfurt; the Maier family's move to Switzerland; Hans Wolfgang Maier's connection to Albert Einstein; Maier's career at the Burghölzli psychiatric clinic; Maier's care for Eduard Einstein; the impact of Kristallnacht and Maier's role in helping family escape Nazi Germany; and a concluding chapter ("Farewell"). Each chapter utilizes archival materials such as letters and family documents.
What is the significance of the relationship between the Maier and Einstein families?
The book highlights the strong friendship and mutual support between the Maier and Einstein families, emphasizing the shared Jewish heritage and the assistance provided by Gustav Maier to Albert Einstein. This relationship is explored throughout the narrative, providing insight into the personal lives and challenges faced by both families during a turbulent period.
What role did Hans Wolfgang Maier play during Kristallnacht?
The book details Maier's crucial role in helping his great-uncle, Dr. jur. Max Friedlaender, escape from Nazi Germany during Kristallnacht. This showcases Maier's bravery and his commitment to helping his family despite significant personal risks.
What is the "Maier Affair" and its significance?
While not explicitly detailed in the provided summary, the "Maier Affair" is mentioned as a key theme and a focus of the counter-narrative presented in the book. It likely refers to a later controversy or negative publicity surrounding Maier's life or career that the book seeks to address.
What kind of sources were used in writing this book?
The book heavily relies on source material from the Maier family archives, including letters, photographs, official documents, and a commemorative album from the Burghölzli clinic. These primary sources provide intimate details and perspectives on the lives and experiences of the Maier family and their connections to others.
Who is the target audience of this book?
The book's target audience is likely academics and those interested in history, biography, psychiatry, the Einstein family, and the impact of Nazism and anti-Semitism. The structured approach and use of archival materials suggest an academic focus.
What are the key words associated with this book?
Key words include: Hans Wolfgang Maier, Eduard Einstein, Burghölzli, Psychiatry, Anti-Semitism, Nazism, Switzerland, Family History, Kristallnacht, Eugenics, Resistance, Albert Einstein, and Maier Affair.
- Quote paper
- Beatrice Maier Anner (Author), 2023, Hans Wolfgang Maier. Eduard Einstein's Doctor, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1418675
