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A rare typescript of the iconic children's story, The Little Prince, is making headlines as it heads to auction with an astonishing price tag of $1.25 million (£963,313). This unique piece of literary history was penned by author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in New York while he was in exile from Nazi-occupied France during the 1940s.
Only three of these typescripts are known to exist, and this particular copy is special because it is filled with handwritten notes and sketches by the author himself. It is set to go on sale at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November, according to Peter Harrington Rare Books.
Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at the bookstore, expressed how rare it is to come across something of this significance. Saint-Exupéry, who wrote Le Petit Prince originally in French during World War Two, mysteriously disappeared during a reconnaissance mission after the book was published in 1943.
The heartwarming narrative features a pilot stranded in the desert who meets a young boy known as the Little Prince. Since then, The Little Prince has become one of the most translated books ever, selling millions worldwide.
The typescript, which has been with Peter Harrington Rare Books since the start of 2024, demonstrates signs of age, including the presence of stubbed-out cigarettes. It also includes Saint-Exupéry's famous notes, doodles, and the initial writing of one of the book's most notable quotes: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye."
Besides the mesmerizing text, two sketches of the Little Prince accompany the typescript, with one being a preliminary version for the book's final illustration. Jay highlighted how this typescript feels "much more intimate" than others because of the author's personal touches, which contribute to its immense value.
He speculated that a museum or library outside of Europe might recognize the typescript's importance and engage in purchasing it, illustrating its status in global literary heritage.
A rare typescript of the iconic children's story, The Little Prince, is making headlines as it heads to auction with an astonishing price tag of $1.25 million (£963,313). This unique piece of literary history was penned by author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in New York while he was in exile from Nazi-occupied France during the 1940s.
Only three of these typescripts are known to exist, and this particular copy is special because it is filled with handwritten notes and sketches by the author himself. It is set to go on sale at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November, according to Peter Harrington Rare Books.
Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at the bookstore, expressed how rare it is to come across something of this significance. Saint-Exupéry, who wrote Le Petit Prince originally in French during World War Two, mysteriously disappeared during a reconnaissance mission after the book was published in 1943.
The heartwarming narrative features a pilot stranded in the desert who meets a young boy known as the Little Prince. Since then, The Little Prince has become one of the most translated books ever, selling millions worldwide.
The typescript, which has been with Peter Harrington Rare Books since the start of 2024, demonstrates signs of age, including the presence of stubbed-out cigarettes. It also includes Saint-Exupéry's famous notes, doodles, and the initial writing of one of the book's most notable quotes: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye."
Besides the mesmerizing text, two sketches of the Little Prince accompany the typescript, with one being a preliminary version for the book's final illustration. Jay highlighted how this typescript feels "much more intimate" than others because of the author's personal touches, which contribute to its immense value.
He speculated that a museum or library outside of Europe might recognize the typescript's importance and engage in purchasing it, illustrating its status in global literary heritage.
