Rare typed copy of The Little Prince to go on sale for $1.25m

A rare and valuable typed copy of the beloved children's book The Little Prince is set to be sold for an astonishing price of $1. 25 million. This book, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is one of the most translated works in literary history. The typescript was created in New York during the 1940s when the author was in exile from Nazi-occupied France. It is one of only three known copies in existence, and it includes handwritten notes and sketches by Saint-Exupéry himself. The sale will take place at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival in the United Arab Emirates this coming November. Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist from Peter Harrington Rare Books, the seller of the typescript, remarked that having such a typed manuscript is an extremely rare occurrence. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry originally wrote The Little Prince in French for children while he was living in New York during World War Two, and it was published in 1943. He was a skilled aviator, and after completing the book, he returned to Europe to undertake reconnaissance missions for the Free French air force, which was fighting against Nazi Germany. Tragically, he disappeared during one of these missions over the Mediterranean Sea, and the exact circumstances of his plane's crash remain unknown. The story of The Little Prince follows a pilot who finds himself stranded in a desert and encounters a small boy known as the Little Prince, who has traveled to Earth from his own planet. Since its publication, The Little Prince has sold millions of copies worldwide, captivating readers of all ages. The typescript being sold includes two sketches of the Little Prince, which adds to its uniqueness. The original handwritten manuscript of The Little Prince is housed in New York, while the other two known typescripts are located in France's national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas. Mr. Jay explained that Saint-Exupéry gifted the two typescripts to friends before his disappearance, but the third copy was not inscribed or given to anyone. This third copy remained in a private collection in France for decades and is the only one available for public sale, making it an extraordinary find. Mr. Jay expressed his excitement about the discovery, stating that his quest is always to find something more remarkable, and he is unsure how he will top this find. Peter Harrington Rare Books has owned the typescript since early 2024 and has been cataloging and researching it to prepare it for sale. The cover of the book shows signs of wear, including marks from stubbed-out cigarettes, and the typescript features Saint-Exupéry's handwritten notes, annotations, and edits throughout its pages. Notably, it contains what is believed to be the first written appearance of one of the story's most famous lines: 'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye. ' Mr. Jay emphasized that this typescript is much more intimate than the other two, highlighting the personal notes and doodles made by the author. Accompanying the typescript are two sketches of the Little Prince, one of which was a preliminary sketch for the book's final illustration. The Little Prince is considered a part of a global literary heritage, being one of the most translated books in the world. Mr. Jay mentioned that there is a possibility that a museum or library outside of Europe could purchase the typescript in November, which would signify a recognition of its global significance.