A rare typescript of "The Little Prince," penned by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry during his exile, is set to go up for auction at the Abu Dhabi Art Festival, with a price tag of $1.25 million.
**Rare Typescript of The Little Prince to Auction for $1.25 Million**

**Rare Typescript of The Little Prince to Auction for $1.25 Million**
A unique manuscript from one of literature's masterpieces is on the brink of sale, marking a significant event for collectors and fans alike.
The auction spotlight will illuminate a remarkable piece of literary history: a rare typescript of "The Little Prince," authored by the beloved Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This exceptional document, one of only three known copies, is expected to fetch an astounding $1.25 million (£963,313) at the forthcoming Abu Dhabi Art Festival in November.
The typescript was meticulously produced in New York during the 1940s while Saint-Exupéry was in exile from Nazi-occupied France. This particular copy, distinct from the other two known typescripts housed in France's national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas, is replete with handwritten notes and sketches by the author himself—adding to its uniqueness and historical significance.
Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist from Peter Harrington Rare Books, which is responsible for the sale, emphasized the rarity of such events in the literary world. “Having the ‘typed manuscript’ is an extremely rare event,” he stated, relishing the challenge of acquiring such remarkable finds.
The Little Prince, originally titled "Le Petit Prince" in French, first hit the shelves in 1943. Saint-Exupéry crafted this timeless tale for children while grappling with the tumultuous times of World War II. The narrative narrates the enchanting escapades of a pilot who, stranded in a desert, encounters a youthful prince visiting Earth—a story that has captured hearts globally, leading to millions of copies sold.
This particular typescript promises to intrigue not just collectors but also those passionate about literature. Notably, it holds several pivotal handwritten annotations and edits, including what is believed to be the first documented appearance of the famous line, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye." The cover reflects intimate traces of the author's life, showcasing evident signs of stubbed cigarette marks.
Jay relished the opportunity to handle such an artifact, expressing excitement over the intimate nature of this typescript, aptly noting its characteristic doodles and annotations. Accompanying the manuscript are two sketches of the Little Prince, enriching its provenance and artistic allure.
The potentially upcoming auction, set for this November, could lead to this literary treasure being acquired by a museum or library outside of Europe, a move that would underscore the book's universal impact and enduring legacy within global literary heritage.
The typescript was meticulously produced in New York during the 1940s while Saint-Exupéry was in exile from Nazi-occupied France. This particular copy, distinct from the other two known typescripts housed in France's national library and the Harry Ransom Center in Texas, is replete with handwritten notes and sketches by the author himself—adding to its uniqueness and historical significance.
Sammy Jay, a senior literature specialist from Peter Harrington Rare Books, which is responsible for the sale, emphasized the rarity of such events in the literary world. “Having the ‘typed manuscript’ is an extremely rare event,” he stated, relishing the challenge of acquiring such remarkable finds.
The Little Prince, originally titled "Le Petit Prince" in French, first hit the shelves in 1943. Saint-Exupéry crafted this timeless tale for children while grappling with the tumultuous times of World War II. The narrative narrates the enchanting escapades of a pilot who, stranded in a desert, encounters a youthful prince visiting Earth—a story that has captured hearts globally, leading to millions of copies sold.
This particular typescript promises to intrigue not just collectors but also those passionate about literature. Notably, it holds several pivotal handwritten annotations and edits, including what is believed to be the first documented appearance of the famous line, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; the essential is invisible to the eye." The cover reflects intimate traces of the author's life, showcasing evident signs of stubbed cigarette marks.
Jay relished the opportunity to handle such an artifact, expressing excitement over the intimate nature of this typescript, aptly noting its characteristic doodles and annotations. Accompanying the manuscript are two sketches of the Little Prince, enriching its provenance and artistic allure.
The potentially upcoming auction, set for this November, could lead to this literary treasure being acquired by a museum or library outside of Europe, a move that would underscore the book's universal impact and enduring legacy within global literary heritage.