A rare typescript of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella The Little Prince, featuring the author’s handwritten corrections, is set to go on sale for $1.25 million. The typescript, described by book dealers as a “literary treasure,” offers an intimate look into the creative process behind one of the most translated books worldwide, second only to religious texts.
The typescript was produced in New York in 1942 while Saint-Exupéry was in exile, having fled Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Bound in a worn, black cover, this unique French-language version of Le Petit Prince was completed shortly before the author returned to join the Free French Air Force. This manuscript is one of only three known copies, with the other two preserved in France’s National Library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas, USA.
Notably, the typescript includes the earliest recorded version of one of the novella’s most iconic lines: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye.” This profound statement has resonated with readers globally, embodying the timeless wisdom of the story. The manuscript also contains two original pencil sketches by Saint-Exupéry, including an early draft of the final illustration showing the little prince’s return to his home planet.
Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books in the UK, which is handling the sale, highlighted the significance of this typescript. Jay remarked, “It’s the most exceptional example of an author’s creative process that I’ve ever encountered. It’s a high point in my career, and I’m not sure I’ll ever find another piece of this magnitude.”
Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, first published in 1943, has captivated generations with its tale of a young traveler who journeys from one planet to another, learning life lessons along the way. The author’s poetic prose and whimsical illustrations have made it a timeless classic. Tragically, Saint-Exupéry died in 1944 when his plane vanished during a reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean Sea.
The typescript, recently acquired from private ownership, will be showcased at Abu Dhabi Art, an international art fair taking place in the United Arab Emirates from November 20-24. Collectors and literature enthusiasts are expected to be eager for the chance to own a piece of literary history that offers unparalleled insight into the mind of one of the 20th century’s most cherished writers.
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