Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944) was a man intimate with the mysteries of wind, sand, and stars. He was one of the grand adventurers of his time, but he is most famous today for his self-illustrated philosophical story, The Little Prince, which tells of the meeting between a stranded pilot and a prince who lives on an asteroid.

Shown here is a page from Saint-Exupéry’s manuscript for The Little Prince, which has become a classic of children’s literature and is one of the most translated and beloved books in the world. The simple tale relates the story of a child, the little prince, who travels the universe gaining wisdom.

The story follows the prince’s journey as he visits different planets and meets strange characters, while exploring themes of isolation, friendship, and love. The little prince’s encounters with the rose, the fox, and the aviator add to the richly metaphorical quality of the novella as well as its whimsical charm. Saint-Exupéry’s unmistakable illustrations and the tale’s collective ideas on the human condition continue to captivate readers of every age while inspiring a celebration of innocence and imagination.

Saint-Exupéry disappeared on a reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean while flying for the Free French Forces in July of 1944, and the wreckage of his aircraft was discovered off the coast of Marseille after nearly 60 years. What exactly happened to him remains a mystery, but decades later his work continues to delight, a lofty legacy for any writer. We are honoured to partner with the Saint-Exupéry Foundation to bring The Little Prince to our Embellished Manuscripts Collection.