A remarkable typescript of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved children's book, The Little Prince, is poised to hit the auction block for an astounding $1.25 million (£963,313) at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Art Festival. This particular manuscript, one of only three known copies, was typed by the author during his exile from Nazi-occupied France in the 1940s and features personal handwritten notes and sketches by the author himself.
Rare Typescript of The Little Prince Expected to Fetch $1.25M at Auction
Rare Typescript of The Little Prince Expected to Fetch $1.25M at Auction
A unique typed manuscript of The Little Prince is set for auction, highlighting its historical significance and literary charm.
The upcoming sale, hosted by Peter Harrington Rare Books, marks a rare occasion; senior literature specialist Sammy Jay emphasized the exceptional nature of this typescript, describing it as an "extremely rare event." Originally penned in French as Le Petit Prince, the story came to life in New York in 1943 while Saint-Exupéry was creating a narrative about a pilot stranded in a desert who encounters a celestial boy. Tragically, the author was lost during a reconnaissance flight for the Free French air force.
This specific typescript stands out as it contains unique elements including annotations and doodles by Saint-Exupéry, contributing to its personal and historic value. It also includes early versions of one of the book's most famous quotes: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye." The artefact is accompanied by two sketches of the Little Prince, one a preliminary drawing for its final version.
The other existing typescripts reside in France’s national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas, both given as personal gifts before Saint-Exupéry's disappearance. This third copy, with a history of a private collection in France, is noteworthy not only for its rarity but also for the insights it offers into the author's creative process. Its presentation at a public auction highlights the ongoing global appreciation of literature, and there’s potential for it to be acquired by a museum or library outside Europe, recognizing its significant contribution to the cultural landscape.
As anticipation builds for the auction in November, excitement surrounds the typescript, underscoring the quest for unique literary treasures in the world of rare books.
This specific typescript stands out as it contains unique elements including annotations and doodles by Saint-Exupéry, contributing to its personal and historic value. It also includes early versions of one of the book's most famous quotes: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye." The artefact is accompanied by two sketches of the Little Prince, one a preliminary drawing for its final version.
The other existing typescripts reside in France’s national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas, both given as personal gifts before Saint-Exupéry's disappearance. This third copy, with a history of a private collection in France, is noteworthy not only for its rarity but also for the insights it offers into the author's creative process. Its presentation at a public auction highlights the ongoing global appreciation of literature, and there’s potential for it to be acquired by a museum or library outside Europe, recognizing its significant contribution to the cultural landscape.
As anticipation builds for the auction in November, excitement surrounds the typescript, underscoring the quest for unique literary treasures in the world of rare books.
