$1.25 Million Typescript of The Little Prince to be Featured at Abu Dhabi Art Festival

The one-of-a-kind typescript represents an important piece of literary history. Having been in private hands for decades, its upcoming sale marks a significant event for collectors and fans alike.

A remarkable typescript of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's timeless children's book, The Little Prince, is set to attract attention at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Art Festival, with a staggering sale price of $1.25 million (£963,313). This unique document, crafted while the author sought refuge from Nazi-occupied France in the 1940s, is among only three known copies in existence.

The typescript features both Saint-Exupéry's handwritten notes and sketches, adding a personal touch to the manuscript. The sale, scheduled for November, will highlight its rare significance, as noted by Sammy Jay, the senior literature specialist from Peter Harrington Rare Books, the seller of the piece.

Originally written in French, Le Petit Prince was penned in exile during World War Two and first published in 1943. Following the book's creation, Saint-Exupéry returned to Europe on a reconnaissance mission for the Free French air force but mysteriously disappeared during his final flight.

The enchanting tale shares the adventures of a pilot stranded in a desert who encounters a small extraterrestrial boy known as the Little Prince. Since its release, The Little Prince has captivated readers worldwide, selling millions of copies and solidifying its status as a masterpiece of global literature.

Peter Harrington Rare Books has maintained possession of the typescript since early 2024, undertaking meticulous cataloging and research. Notable features of the manuscript include signs of wear and Saint-Exupéry's personal annotations—along with what is believed to be the first appearance of a famous quote from the story: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye."

This typescript stands out as "much more intimate" than its counterparts revealed by Mr. Jay, who points to the author's amusing thoughts and sketches interlaced throughout the pages. In addition, two sketches of the Little Prince accompany the typescript—one being a preliminary drawing intended for the book's final edition.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's work holds an esteemed place in literary culture worldwide, and the chance of this typescript finding its home in a non-European museum or library signals a recognition of its profound international significance. The upcoming sale promises to renew interest in a cherished story that remains an integral part of literary heritage.