Rare first editions books by Albert Einstein containing his early thoughts about the theory of relativity are to go under the hammer in north Norfolk.

The three volumes are part of a wide-ranging sale at Keys Fine Art Auctioneers in Aylsham, which will also include a first edition of the influential book ‘Electric Waves’ by German physicist Heinrich Hertz.

North Norfolk News: Relativity - The Special and General Theory, one of three Einstein books being auctioned by KeysRelativity - The Special and General Theory, one of three Einstein books being auctioned by Keys (Image: Newman Associates PR)

Andrew Lindsay-Bullock, the auction house's head of books, said: “Hertz and Einstein were two of the most important scientists in history, and these books are their first expressions of the theories which underlie so much of today’s science and technology.

“As such, they are hugely important scientific volumes, and we expect there to be a lot of interest from the scientific community.”

North Norfolk News: Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein (Image: Fred Stein/DPA)

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First published in English in 1920, ‘Relativity – The Special and The General Theory’ began as a short paper in which Einstein sought to explain his theory of relativity - but soon became a whole book. 

North Norfolk News: The three Einstein first editions being auctioned by KeysThe three Einstein first editions being auctioned by Keys (Image: Newman Associates PR)Being sold in the same lot are two more Einstein works - ‘The Meaning of Relativity’ and and ‘Spotlights on Relativity'.

They have a pre-sale estimate of £600-£800.

North Norfolk News: A rare first edition of Electric Waves by Heinrich Hertz, is also up for grabs at the auctionA rare first edition of Electric Waves by Heinrich Hertz, is also up for grabs at the auction (Image: Newman Associates PR)

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Einstein was born Germany but fled Europe for the UK, and later the US, after the Nazis came to power. 

North Norfolk News: Andrew Lindsay-Bullock, Keys' head of booksAndrew Lindsay-Bullock, Keys' head of books (Image: Keys)

In 1933, he spent the best part of a month hiding out in a wooden hut in Roughton, near Cromer, at the invitation of an MP, Commander Oliver Locker-Lampson, who had earlier met the scientist at a lecture in Oxford. 

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Electric Waves was first published in English in 1893, and is expected to fetch between £400 and £500.  

This book outlines research on electromagnetic waves, which were the foundation of wireless communication.  

Wavelengths are still measured in units named after Hertz.

Keys’ two-day book and ephemera sale takes place June 15-16.