The Little Prince
New York: Reynal & Hitchcock, (1943). First Edition. Color drawings by the author. Cloth over boards. Octavo. 91, [iii] pages.
First edition first printing of one of the most beloved books of all time. Though its author did not speak English, his most popular book made its debut in this English translation published in New York.
Most people do not realize that Saint-Exupéry wrote and illustrated "The Little Prince" while living in New York, in exile from the Vichy Regime in France. He was encouraged to write the story by the publishers Eugene Reynal and Curtice Hitchcock, and the manuscript was then translated into English for publication by their firm. Reynal & Hitchcock also published the first edition in French later the same year. The first Paris imprint did not appear until 1946.
Shortly after the book's appearance in April of 1943, Saint-Exupéry returned to the war, flying with the Free French Air Force in the Mediterranean. He disappeared on a reconnaissance flight in July 1944. "The Little Prince" was his last book in English before he was gone.
Bound in salmon-colored cloth over boards with titles and an outline drawing in maroon. Shallow bump at top of upper joint, minor extremity rubs. Prior gift inscription dated 1943 to front pastedown. Jacket has a hint of browning to spine, a few minor spots of soiling, and minor edge wear. Old but neat repairs to underside of jacket at head and heel of spine. A beautiful copy.
Item #1777
Sold