A remarkable typescript of "The Little Prince," a timeless children's story penned by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is poised to go on the auction block for an astounding $1.25 million (£963,313). This exclusive typed copy, crafted in New York in the 1940s while Saint-Exupéry was fleeing Nazi-occupied France, is one of only three known to exist. It features the author’s personal handwritten notes and sketches, giving it an intimate connection to the creation of this cherished narrative.
Scheduled for sale at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November, the typescript is described by Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books, as an unusually rare discovery. Saint-Exupéry, an accomplished pilot, composed "Le Petit Prince" in French during his time in exile, with the book officially published in 1943.
The story narrates the tale of a pilot stranded in the desert who encounters a young boy, the Little Prince, who has traveled from another planet. Since its release, "The Little Prince" has achieved international acclaim, selling millions of copies worldwide, and is recognized as one of the most translated works in literary history.
Among the rare items connected to this typescript are two sketches of the Little Prince, with one serving as a preliminary design for the final book illustration. Notably, the typescript also presents what is believed to be the first documented appearance of one of the work's iconic lines: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye."
Currently in possession of Peter Harrington Rare Books, the typescript has undergone extensive cataloging and research since its acquisition in early 2024. Its well-worn cover reflects a history rich with character, including evidence of stubbed-out cigarettes, alongside Saint-Exupéry’s own annotations and edits—a testament to the manuscript’s provenance.
The other two existing typescripts are held in private collections, including one at France's national library and another at the Harry Ransom Center in Texas. Jay shared insight into the journey of the typescripts, noting that those were gifted to friends prior to the author’s mysterious disappearance during a reconnaissance flight for the Free French air force during World War II.
As this significant piece of global literary heritage prepares to enter the public sphere, there is speculation that it could draw interest from museums or libraries outside of Europe, reinforcing its universal status and importance.
