A rare carbon typescript of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s beloved children’s classic “The Little Prince” is set to go on sale at the Abu Dhabi Art 2024 fair, with a price tag of at least $1.25 million. The typescript, complete with the author’s handwritten corrections and revisions, also includes numerous drawings and his iconic phrase “One only sees clearly with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes”. This unique version is one of only three known copies, with the others held by the National Library of France.
Rare books specialist store Peter Harrington acquired the manuscript earlier this year, making it a highly sought-after item in the rare books market. Unlike many other rare books that sell for sky-high prices, such as Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road” scroll typescript that sold for $2.4 million, “The Little Prince” typescript stands out as a particularly valuable and exceptional piece. The book is expected to garner significant interest from museums and private collectors, particularly in Asia and the Arab world.
“The Little Prince” remains one of the best-selling books globally, with sales surpassing even the popular “Harry Potter” and “The Hobbit” series combined. Saint-Exupery penned the enchanting tale while exiled in the United States during 1942, escaping France after the Nazi invasion. The book was first published in the U.S. in 1943, the same year Saint-Exupery left to join the fight in north Africa. Tragically, the pilot-explorer disappeared during a mission over the Mediterranean in 1944, never witnessing the widespread success of “The Little Prince”.
The typescript’s inclusion of passages that were later edited out, along with Saint-Exupery’s personal touches and sketches, make it a truly exceptional find. With limited known copies in existence, the manuscript holds significant historical and literary value. The market for rare and ancient books is distinctive, with exceptional items like the “The Little Prince” typescript commanding considerable attention and admiration from collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
Interest in the rare typescript has been high, with expectations that it will be acquired by a museum or private collection. The appeal of owning a piece of literary history, complete with the author’s intimate revisions and drawings, is a unique opportunity for those passionate about literature and the legacy of Saint-Exupery. As the Abu Dhabi Art 2024 fair approaches, anticipation mounts for the fate of this invaluable piece, which represents a tangible connection to the enduring magic and wisdom of “The Little Prince”.
