The prized manuscript includes unique annotations and reflects the author's creative process during a tumultuous time in history.
Rare Manuscript of The Little Prince to Auction for $1.25 Million
Rare Manuscript of The Little Prince to Auction for $1.25 Million
A historic typescript of the beloved children's classic by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is heading to auction.
In an extraordinary event for literary enthusiasts, a rare typescript of "The Little Prince," created by the renowned author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is poised to hit the auction block with a staggering price tag of $1.25 million (£963,313). Produced in 1940s New York during Saint-Exupéry's exile from Nazi-occupied France, this unique typewritten document is one of only three known copies and is adorned with the author's personal handwritten notes and illustrations.
Scheduled for sale at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November, this manuscript represents an invaluable piece of literary history. Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books, highlighted that the availability of such a "typed manuscript is an extraordinarily rare event," capturing the attention of collectors and fans alike.
Saint-Exupéry, a skilled aviator, penned "Le Petit Prince" in French, crafting a captivating tale for children amidst the backdrop of World War II. The book was officially published in 1943 and has since become one of the most widely translated books globally, selling millions of copies.
The manuscript is said to provide an intimate look into the author’s creative process, featuring personal annotations, edits, and the first documented appearance of the memorable line, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye." In addition to the typescript, two additional sketches of the Little Prince accompany the manuscript, enhancing its artistic value.
While the original handwritten manuscript is preserved in New York, the other two known typescripts are in France’s national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas. The typescript available for auction has an intriguing backstory, as it remained in a private French collection for decades before becoming available for public purchase.
Experts speculate that this exceptional work could attract museums or libraries outside of Europe, further solidifying its status as a globally significant literary artifact. As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds around this unique piece of history—the chance to own a glimpse into the genius of Saint-Exupéry's creative mind.
Scheduled for sale at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November, this manuscript represents an invaluable piece of literary history. Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books, highlighted that the availability of such a "typed manuscript is an extraordinarily rare event," capturing the attention of collectors and fans alike.
Saint-Exupéry, a skilled aviator, penned "Le Petit Prince" in French, crafting a captivating tale for children amidst the backdrop of World War II. The book was officially published in 1943 and has since become one of the most widely translated books globally, selling millions of copies.
The manuscript is said to provide an intimate look into the author’s creative process, featuring personal annotations, edits, and the first documented appearance of the memorable line, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye." In addition to the typescript, two additional sketches of the Little Prince accompany the manuscript, enhancing its artistic value.
While the original handwritten manuscript is preserved in New York, the other two known typescripts are in France’s national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas. The typescript available for auction has an intriguing backstory, as it remained in a private French collection for decades before becoming available for public purchase.
Experts speculate that this exceptional work could attract museums or libraries outside of Europe, further solidifying its status as a globally significant literary artifact. As the auction date approaches, anticipation builds around this unique piece of history—the chance to own a glimpse into the genius of Saint-Exupéry's creative mind.
