Scheduled for auction during the Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November, the typescript stands as a testament to the international resonance of The Little Prince, one of the most translated works in literary history. According to Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist from the selling house, Peter Harrington Rare Books, instances of a typed manuscript of this nature are "extremely rare."
Saint-Exupéry originally penned Le Petit Prince while living in New York during World War II, and it was published in 1943. After completing the work, he returned to Europe to undertake reconnaissance missions for the Free French air force, where he tragically disappeared during one such flight, leaving the fate of his last mission a mystery.
Set against a backdrop of a pilot stranded in the desert meeting a child from another planet, The Little Prince has captivated audiences worldwide, selling millions of copies since its release. The rarities of this manuscript are enhanced by its drawings, including two sketches of the titular character, as well as Saint-Exupéry’s personal annotations and edits, including one of the story’s most famous lines: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye.”
Currently housed at Peter Harrington Rare Books since early 2024, this unique artefact shows signs of significant wear and contains personal touches that make it "much more intimate" than the other two known typescripts. One copy is in France's national library, and another resides in the Harry Ransom Center in Texas, both of which were given as gifts by the author before his demise.
Mr. Jay relayed to BBC that this particular typescript has remained in a private collection in France for decades, making this sale a rare opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike. He expressed excitement over the search for extraordinary items, stating, “I don’t know how I’m going to beat it,” in regard to finding similar historical treasures.
The anticipated sale may attract interest from museums and libraries globally, signaling a recognition of the enduring legacy of The Little Prince as a cornerstone of literary heritage. As the auction date draws near, the typescript continues to draw attention for its significance to both literature lovers and historians.
Saint-Exupéry originally penned Le Petit Prince while living in New York during World War II, and it was published in 1943. After completing the work, he returned to Europe to undertake reconnaissance missions for the Free French air force, where he tragically disappeared during one such flight, leaving the fate of his last mission a mystery.
Set against a backdrop of a pilot stranded in the desert meeting a child from another planet, The Little Prince has captivated audiences worldwide, selling millions of copies since its release. The rarities of this manuscript are enhanced by its drawings, including two sketches of the titular character, as well as Saint-Exupéry’s personal annotations and edits, including one of the story’s most famous lines: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye.”
Currently housed at Peter Harrington Rare Books since early 2024, this unique artefact shows signs of significant wear and contains personal touches that make it "much more intimate" than the other two known typescripts. One copy is in France's national library, and another resides in the Harry Ransom Center in Texas, both of which were given as gifts by the author before his demise.
Mr. Jay relayed to BBC that this particular typescript has remained in a private collection in France for decades, making this sale a rare opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike. He expressed excitement over the search for extraordinary items, stating, “I don’t know how I’m going to beat it,” in regard to finding similar historical treasures.
The anticipated sale may attract interest from museums and libraries globally, signaling a recognition of the enduring legacy of The Little Prince as a cornerstone of literary heritage. As the auction date draws near, the typescript continues to draw attention for its significance to both literature lovers and historians.
