Rare typescript of The Little Prince set for sale at $1.25 million

A rare typescript of The Little Prince, one of the most widely translated books in the world, is set to be sold at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November for an estimated $1.25 million (£963,313). This valuable copy was created by the book’s author, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, while he was in exile in New York during World War II, fleeing Nazi-occupied France.

The typescript stands out due to Saint-Exupéry’s handwritten notes, annotations, and original sketches, making it one of only three known copies in existence. Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books, which is managing the sale, emphasized its rarity. He expressed enthusiasm, noting that the search for extraordinary pieces like this is a continual endeavor and that surpassing this discovery would be a significant challenge.

The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince in the original French) was written by Saint-Exupéry during his stay in New York in the 1940s. The story, published in 1943, is about a pilot who is stranded in the desert and encounters a small boy, the Little Prince, who is visiting Earth. Known for its philosophical reflections and whimsical storytelling, the book quickly became a classic of world literature, capturing readers of all ages.

Saint-Exupéry, an experienced aviator, returned to Europe after writing the book to join the Free French Air Force in its fight against Nazi Germany. Tragically, he disappeared on a reconnaissance mission in 1944, and his plane was never recovered, adding an air of mystery to his life and legacy.

Of the three typescripts, the original handwritten manuscript remains in New York. One typescript is housed at France’s national library, and another is held at the Harry Ransom Center in Texas. The third, which is being sold at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival, was not inscribed or given to anyone and was kept in a private collection in France for decades.

Jay clarified that Saint-Exupéry had distributed the other two typescripts to acquaintances prior to his disappearance. However, the third typescript remained unassigned, rendering it the sole item of its kind that was available for public purchase. He characterised it as “significantly more intimate” than the other two books as a result of the author’s handwritten notes, doodles, and revisions.

The typescript even includes what is believed to be the earliest written version 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 line encapsulates the story’s profound message, which has resonated with readers across generations.

Peter Harrington Rare Books says this typescript has Saint-Exupéry’s cigarette stubs on the cover. The artefact includes two Little Prince sketches, one of which was an early draft of the book’s illustration.

Jay called The Little Prince “global literary heritage” due to its extensive translation and ongoing appeal. He suggested a museum or library outside Europe buy the typescript due to its worldwide significance.

After acquiring the typescript in 2024, Peter Harrington Rare Books has diligently researched, catalogued, and prepared it for sale. The typescript’s sale could be significant for literary collectors, museums, and organisations worldwide preserving this famous novel.

The Abu Dhabi Art Festival exhibition and auction highlight The Little Prince’s global influence on love, loss, and looking beyond appearances.