A one-of-a-kind typescript of 'The Little Prince', penned by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, will be auctioned for $1.25 million at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Art Festival, showcasing its profound significance in global literature.
**Rare Typescript of 'The Little Prince' to Fetch $1.25M at Abu Dhabi Art Festival**
**Rare Typescript of 'The Little Prince' to Fetch $1.25M at Abu Dhabi Art Festival**
A unique typescript of the beloved children's novel is poised to make waves in the literary world.
The rare typescript of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's cherished children's tale, 'The Little Prince', is set to hit the auction block with an asking price of $1.25 million (£963,313) at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival this November. This unique manuscript, crafted during Saint-Exupéry's exile in New York in the 1940s, stands out as one of only three known copies in existence and features handwritten notes and illustrations by the renowned author.
Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books, expressed that possessing such a "typed manuscript is an extremely rare event," emphasizing its historical and literary importance. The original French version, titled 'Le Petit Prince', was published in 1943 and penned by the experienced aviator while he sought refuge from the turbulence of World War II.
Tragically, following the completion of his beloved work, Saint-Exupéry returned to Europe to serve as a reconnaissance pilot for the Free French air force, disappearing on his final mission, with the circumstances of his plane's fate remaining shrouded in mystery.
The core narrative of 'The Little Prince' follows the enchanting journey of a stranded pilot who encounters a small, otherworldly boy on Earth, sparking themes of imagination and human insight. Since its release, the book has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, selling millions of copies and establishing itself as a literary classic.
This significant typescript has been owned by Peter Harrington Rare Books since early 2024 and has undergone a meticulous cataloging process. Distinctive characteristics include signs of use, such as stubbed cigarette marks and the author's own notes, annotations, and revisions throughout its pages. Among its highlights is what is believed to be the first appearance of a poignant quote from the narrative: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye."
Jay pointed out that this particular typescript carries a "much more intimate" feel compared to its counterparts, featuring spontaneous doodles and fleeting thoughts from Saint-Exupéry himself. Two accompanying sketches depict the Little Prince, one serving as a preliminary draft for the book's final illustration.
The significance of this artefact extends beyond mere monetary value. Jay elaborates that 'The Little Prince' embodies a vital part of the "global literary heritage," reinforcing its status as one of the most-translated literary works known to date. With speculation that a museum or library from outside Europe might be interested in acquiring the typescript, the auction promises to further solidify the narrative's esteemed legacy on the world stage.
Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist at Peter Harrington Rare Books, expressed that possessing such a "typed manuscript is an extremely rare event," emphasizing its historical and literary importance. The original French version, titled 'Le Petit Prince', was published in 1943 and penned by the experienced aviator while he sought refuge from the turbulence of World War II.
Tragically, following the completion of his beloved work, Saint-Exupéry returned to Europe to serve as a reconnaissance pilot for the Free French air force, disappearing on his final mission, with the circumstances of his plane's fate remaining shrouded in mystery.
The core narrative of 'The Little Prince' follows the enchanting journey of a stranded pilot who encounters a small, otherworldly boy on Earth, sparking themes of imagination and human insight. Since its release, the book has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, selling millions of copies and establishing itself as a literary classic.
This significant typescript has been owned by Peter Harrington Rare Books since early 2024 and has undergone a meticulous cataloging process. Distinctive characteristics include signs of use, such as stubbed cigarette marks and the author's own notes, annotations, and revisions throughout its pages. Among its highlights is what is believed to be the first appearance of a poignant quote from the narrative: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye."
Jay pointed out that this particular typescript carries a "much more intimate" feel compared to its counterparts, featuring spontaneous doodles and fleeting thoughts from Saint-Exupéry himself. Two accompanying sketches depict the Little Prince, one serving as a preliminary draft for the book's final illustration.
The significance of this artefact extends beyond mere monetary value. Jay elaborates that 'The Little Prince' embodies a vital part of the "global literary heritage," reinforcing its status as one of the most-translated literary works known to date. With speculation that a museum or library from outside Europe might be interested in acquiring the typescript, the auction promises to further solidify the narrative's esteemed legacy on the world stage.
