LONDON — A rare typescript of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella The Little Prince, featuring extensive handwritten corrections and original sketches by the French author, will soon be available for purchase for $1.25 million. Described by book dealers as a “literary treasure,” this typescript is a remarkable piece of literary history.
Written in French and bound in a worn black cover, the typescript was produced in New York in 1943, during Saint-Exupéry’s exile from Nazi-occupied France. The novella, which tells the story of a child who travels across planets gaining wisdom, was published at the height of World War II and has since become one of the world’s most translated books outside of religious texts.
The typescript features what is believed to be the first written appearance of one of the book’s most famous lines: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. The essential is invisible to the eye.” This rare item offers a glimpse into Saint-Exupéry’s creative process, making it a highly sought-after piece for rare book collectors.
“This is quite simply the most exceptional example of that that I’ve ever seen or had the opportunity to be involved with,” said Sammy Jay, Senior Literature Specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books, which is handling the sale. “It’s a high point, and I feel almost a little poignant about it, because I don’t quite see how I’m ever going to beat this.”
In addition to Saint-Exupéry’s handwritten notes and revisions, the typescript includes two original pencil sketches, one of which is an early drawing for the book’s final illustration of the little prince returning home.
Saint-Exupéry, a celebrated writer and aviator, died in 1944 when his plane vanished during a reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean. The typescript is one of only three known copies; the other two are held by France’s national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas. Recently emerging from private ownership, the typescript will be on display and available for sale at Abu Dhabi Art from November 20 to 24.