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Antoine de Saint-Exupéry first published The Little Prince in 1943, only a year before his Lockheed P-38 vanished over the Mediterranean during a reconnaissance mission. More than a half century later, this fable of love and loneliness has lost none of its power. The narrator is a downed pilot in the Sahara Desert, frantically trying to repair his wrecked plane. His efforts are interrupted one day by the apparition of a little, well, prince, who asks him to draw a sheep. "In the face of an overpowering mystery, you don't dare disobey," the narrator recalls. "Absurd as it seemed, a thousand miles from all inhabited regions and in danger of death, I took a scrap of paper and a pen out of my pocket." And so begins their dialogue, which stretches the narrator's imagination in all sorts of surprising, childlike directions.

The Little Prince describes his journey from planet to planet, each tiny world populated by a single adult. It's a wonderfully inventive sequence, which evokes not only the great fairy tales but also such monuments of postmodern whimsy as Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities. And despite his tone of gentle bemusement, Saint-Exupéry pulls off some fine satiric touches, too. There's the king, for example, who commands the Little Prince to function as a one-man (or one-boy) judiciary:

I have good reason to believe that there is an old rat living somewhere on my planet. I hear him at night. You could judge that old rat. From time to time you will condemn him to death. That way his life will depend on your justice. But you'll pardon him each time for economy's sake. There's only one rat.

Reviews (335)

Magical, mystical, majestical
This review refers to the T.V.F Cuiffe translation which I was unable to find on Amazon. I don't know anything about the Howard translation.

This amazing book was written supposedly for children and it reads like a children's story. It's also beautifully illustrated. However, it meant much more to me when I reread it as an adult than as a child. I could say the book is an alegory and that it contains much symbolic value but it would debase it's melancholy beauty to attach academic terms to it.

The story is about the narrator, a pilot just like the author, being stuck in the Sahara waiting to repair his plane. He meets the little prince who hails from a tiny planet that's not much bigger than him. The book relates his solitary existence at his home, his travels through the other asteroids, inhabited by single individuals such as the Geographer (which can be seen as archetypes) to his arrival on earth culminating in the relationship with the pilot.

Again, saying that the book is about life, loneliness, love, friendship and finding one's true nature would be missing the point (one which the book beautifully mentions through the mouth of a fox) that the most important things are not said in words. The book has no "themes" as such but it's a fully integrated work. The pictures are as important as the text and contain so much kindness, humour and irony (as does the work itself) that this work is an absolute must.

If you tame me...
Something confuses me about "The Little Prince". Here we have a small simple tale that takes about half an hour to read. It is quiet and philosophical. The plot, such as it is, follows a the Little Prince and his petite adventures. The Little Prince loves a rose very much, but he must travel about the planets to better understand this love. The book is so lyrical in its simplicity that it's no wonder that it's often given to graduating students each and every year. More so than "Winnie-the-Pooh" or "Oh the Places You'll Go", this book encapsulates the world with pinpoint precision.

My confusion? Why has this book been repeatedly ruined for kids? Am I the only one who remembers that catastrophe that was, "The Little Prince", an anima television show that played on Nickelodeon in the 1980s? How about the movie, starring Bob Fosse as the snake and Gene Wilder as the fox? How does a book this perfect become so exploited? I can only liken it to other books of its caliber. Like "Alice In Wonderland", the absurd plot elements make the story poignant. And like "Alice" (or the aforementioned Pooh) the book's simple writing is easily "improved" by the adults of the world.

I don't think "The Little Prince" is ideal children's literature, mind you. Kids may humor their parents by listening to it, but when you sit right down and read the book, it is not gripping stuff. The patronizing tone taken about "grown-ups", the Peter Pan-like elements, etc. all combine to make this a book that is ideally for children without actually saying anything to them directly. This is a book for adults but ostensibly for kids. Few children are going to be fooled by this. They'd rather sink their fangs into something a little more along the lines of "Harry Potter" or Lemony Snicket. But it is a piece of children's literature that will last beyond all our lives. This is a classic for the 20th century, and "The Little Prince" fully deserves to take his place amongst the other classic kid characters encompassed in the cannon. It is an outstanding tale of simply loving small.

nothing is lost with time.
One of my absolute favorites.

This book is something you read as a child; it was magical and it held you in ways you could not understand. And there were so many things in it that seemed above your young head. But you think you get them at the time.

You read it again when you're older....

and it's all the more magical.

You understand - completely.

Everyone should read this book at least twice.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER!!!!!
I read this book in my 5th grade class last year, and I loved it!!! It was so wonderful and really made you think about life, death, and that the things that are really impoortant are invisable! I REALLY SUGGEST YOU READ THIS BOOK!!! It brings you to thinking about imaginary things that everyone dreams about (that are extremely real in this book). So live your biggest dream and READ THIS BOOK!

The Little Prince...I Don't really like it.
This books is just not my type of book. I did not really get anything from this book because I have to go over the metaphors before I can understand it. Anyways, this book tells the grown ups all over the world that they can still use their imaginations even though they have matured and have a job. This is some connections I heard from Einstein. Einstein said that Imaginations are more important than knowledge because Imagination creates knowledge. This book made me read it even though I wasn't very interested to it because it makes me think deeply of some words that are hard to understand and while I read the book, it reminded me of my childhood because I use to use my imaginations, ofcourse, probably all the kids use their imaginations. Now that I have grown, I forgot about imagining because I've grown up a lot. Just like in the book, when the little prince was growing up, he is losing his imaginations. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (35)

Great Story For All ages
Le Petit Prince is a great story for adults and kids alike. Kids can read this book and see it as only a story about a little boy from another planet who wants to find somone who understands him. Adults can read this book and see deeper meanings to what is happening. If you dig into the story you find things in this book dealing with issues we have to face. It's a great book and I would recommend it to any of my friends but I would have to tell them to get the English version. I would prefer to read the French version.

Magnifique
I was given this book to read for a high school French class, and I'm so glad I did. (If you're by some fluke reading this, Coop, thanks so much for introducing me to "Le petit prince"!) It may be classified here as "children's" literature, but it's so much more. This is a beautiful, moving story of the little prince and his journeys through planets and on Earth. It contains some incredibly deep philosophy and will make you appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood... and make you want to regain that outlook on life. I know that I'm trying to see the world as a child again.

...Et si vous pouvez lire ce livre en français, c'est beaucoup plus beau. Le livre en anglais n'est pas mal, mais il n'y a pas l'élégance.

Open ended
It's a strange little book that defies classification. My husband and I both read it and went away with very different interpretations. The book is part whimsy, part satire, and part philosphy. Its deceptive simplicity defies classification on greater examination.

life lessons
I read this book a year ago with my French 4 Advanced Placement class. It is still sitting on the head of my bed, because I have read it multiple times and refer to it often. I have never been more inspired, nor more changed, by any one novel. The lessons that are meant to help children grow into admirable adults can teach us adults so much more. I looked at everything differently once I finished reading this book. I learned so many invaluable lessons that I will carry with me forever. I am absolutely sure that I will read this to my children someday. The lessons I learned, from not judging someone by what they look like to getting my priorities straight, have forever changed the way I treat people and the way I live. I believe I am more mature now because of the impact this book had on me.

great in its original language
I have read TPP in Spanish, as a child; in English and now in French. The French is 100 times better than any translation. If you have been raised in a romance language, you know that the charm and sonority of French or Spanish is completely lost, even in a good translation. If you have read TPP in translation before, read it in French. It is easy to understand and a great book for those, like me, who want to develop reading skills.
Regarding the story, it is indisputable that TPP is a classic full of wisdom. ... Read more

Book Description

In 2000 Harcourt proudly reissued Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece, The Little Prince, in a sparkling new format. Newly translated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Howard, this timeless classic was embraced by critics and readers across the country for its purity and beauty of expression. And Saint-Exupéry's beloved artwork was restored and remastered to present his work in its original and vibrant colors.Now Harcourt is issuing uniform full-color foreign language editions. The restored artwork glows like never before. These affordable and beautiful editions are sure to delight an entire new generation of readers, students, children, and adults for whom Saint-Exupéry's story will open the door to a new understanding of life. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A book of true beauty.
I do not read a lot of books. I have only read what was assigned to me throughout school and the occasional NY Times bestseller. A friend of mine gave me this book as a gift one day, she said I would enjoy it. She was right - I loved it. I didn't read it right away, but when I did I couldn't put it down. I am not an emotional person, or at least I never thought of myself as one, but this book made me look at myself and it broke my heart. I related with the character of the pilot and I felt as though the Little Prince was talking to me. The book helped me realize that I had forgotten a lot of things since childhood, like the meaning of friendship. The book also reminded me of what love really is. It made me realize what "grown-ups" really are, children who lost their innocence. The greatest thing about the book is that it is universal. It's message is simple: "love has no prejuducies, never dies and always forgives." It is a children's story but it is something all adults should read. There are few books that can do what this "children's story" can do. It will make you laugh, break your heart and make you think about what really is important in your life.

- Jeff

Forever
I read this book in its portuguese version when I was stil living in Brazil (my home land); french, when I started learning it as well as spanish . Despite all "nuances" of each language the book keeps its majesty. Everytime I read it I think it was not written for children. In Le Petit Prince, St. Exupery made life wonderful, beyond comprehension.

One of a Kind
This book is not for everybody; only for those with a great heart, a natural smile and soul.

ummm...i must be a moron
Someone please shoot me in the face, am i the only one who didn't enjoy this book. i read it last year in my 4th year honors french class, now up until the semester when we read this book, i had been a fairly good french student, i have family who live in provence, i visit them often and i had never made a B in french until the semester of junior year when we read "le petit prince" needless to say i made a C that semester. this was the dumbest thing i've ever laid eyes on...well besides a few girls i know. but who gives a merde about some little kid going from planet to planet asking a bunch of dumb questions, and be in love with a rose. im (upset), cause this made me totally lose intrest in french, and now that im a senior and in AP french...im not trying at all, this book is awful, maybe i should read it in english.......nah. oh well, c'est la vie

One of My Favorites!
When I first read this book when I was a senior in high school and read it for my French class, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book. I'd heard so much about it. After reading it I can say that I love this book so much, no wonder Le Petit Prince is on some French currency! I've read this book in English and French, and I'd have to say that the French is sooo much better if you know French. It's not all that difficult to understand if you are at a beginning level. This is a great book and is worth every penny in both languages! ... Read more

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Reviews (14)

El libro El Principio
Yo leí este libro hoy. Pienso que es un buen libro, pero es un poco facíl para yo. Tengo 10 años. Tambien había muchos dibujos bellisimo que me gusto mucho. El libro es de un hombre que tiene problemas con su motor en su avion. Esta en el Desierto Sahara, y ve a un hombre chiquito de un otro planeta. Tiene una buena final, tambien. Pienso que te gustara!

el principito
el principito uno de esos libros que siempre debemos leer en diferentes edades, creo que es una de esas escrituras hechas para el disfrute de todos, nos hace pensar y ser más humanos cada vez que lo leemos, solo piensa que alguien todos los días esta esperando para ser domesticado. Si tienes un hijo leeselo y espera, que al cabo de los años el solo buscará el libro para leerlo.

este libro me hacía llorar
Este libro es simultáneo el libro más maravilloso y el libro más triste. La historia del piloto que se estrella en el desierto y que se encuentra ahí con el principito, me aflige mucho.
Aunque es un libro para ninos, gente de toda edad puede leerlo y no es aburrido. Puede ensenarnos mucho sobre la amistad. Para mí este libro fue un enriquecimiento para mi vida. Y podría leerlo decenas de miles de veces.
Si no lees este libro pierdes algo!

nice
very special plot and elements. nice book for kids.

Ideal para chicos y grandes!!
Esta fabúla es fácil de leer para pequeños y grandes, y con una de las mejores enseñanzas. La leí cuando tenía 8 años y ahora 20 años después sigue siendo una de mis historias favoritas. La prosa de esta historia es refrescante. El pricipito se convertirá en una persona real, que te llevará a conocer gente y lugares, pero sobre todo te enseñará una de las más importantes lecciones en la vida. Esta lectura la recomiendo a esas personas como yo que les gusta soñar y aprender. Es todo un auto-examen de personalidad. Que lo disfruten ... Read more

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Reviews (4)

Great book!
Although I am only in my second semester of German, this book has been fairly easy to read. For English speakers learning German, this book will give you a better understanding of imperative sentences ---the little prince commands the pilot to do things. z.B: Draw me a sheep!

I have read the book several times in English, which of course, helps me to understand the story in German.

It is a wonderful story. I have searched the Internet, and the Amazon price on this book is very fair.

LE PETIT PRINCE - CHILDHOOD TRUTH INTO ADULT WORLD
This book is simply to be kept at hand for a lifetime. Coming in a hardcover set, it will easily go through years of passionate reading. The story is halfway betwwen dream and reality. Providing readers with a child-like vision of life. For once it seems that adults might learn from children.... May Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) also help you to see today's world from another dimension. With each new reading session you will discover a new angle, corresponding to your actual situation.... Multiple-side story, for a multiple-side lifetime.

Simply the best
If you ask me about my favorite book, the book that I would take to a lonely island, the book that I would recommend everyone to read: Here is it. I read Saint-Exupery's wondrous story of the little prince in the German translation, but translations cannot harm this wonderful, poetic book and cannot hide the deep thoughts that are expressed in this simple language that makes it sound like a book for children.

Le petite prince is not really a typical text of Saint-Exupery's. He was famous for his activities as a pilot (which presumably ended his life during WWII) and has written several books about this. There are also a few very complex texts (like "Citadelle" which I haven't managed to read completely), and then there is this strange book, which is for kids and not for kids, which contains so much wisdom and ongoing astonishment about the world around us.

The little prince lives on a very (extremely) small planet nearby with his vulcanoes and his flower. On his tour arond the solar system he meets many different people (kings, merchants, ...) until he finally meets with the author who had an emergency landing somewhere in the desert on Earth.

Read this - in what language ever - and be charmed by the little prince!

Nur mit dem Herzen sieht man gut!
Ein wundervolles Buch, dass uns die Welt mit den Augen eines Kindes entdecken lässt. Antoine de Saint-Exupery entführt den Leser in eine Welt voller Phantasie. Der kleine unwissende Prinz verzaubert alle Herzen und darum ist dieses Buch zurecht schon als eines der schönsten Märchen überhaupt bezeichnet worden. Menschen jeden alters werden Freude an diesem Buch haben! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Drawing a sheep (in Latin)...
'The Little Prince' is a wonderful story, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944), a French writer who also worked to fight the Germans during World War II. The publication story of 'The Little Prince' is an adventure in-and-of itself, as it happened at the height of the war, and just a year prior to Saint-Exupéry disappearance over the Mediterranean while flying a mission with his French air squadron. Saint-Exupéry wrote several books, and illustrated them himself, but 'The Little Prince', about the visitor from outer space not so different from us, but perplexed by our ways, and homesick for his home, touches people to this day in profound ways, making this classic an enduring one.

Translated into Latin, this enigmatic classic becomes even more mysterious, yet (for those who know Latin) still a touching and moving story. Books such as 'The Little Prince' translated into Latin make wonderful tools for learning the language. The book here is translated by Richard Howard, a Pulitzer-Prize winning author, who has more than 150 translation titles to his name. Saint-Exupéry's original artwork is incorporated here, in the proper placement according to the French original. They are in full colour throughout the book.

The language here is basic -- Saint-Exupéry wrote 'The Little Prince' both as a children's book and an adult's book, hence the vocabulary and basic writing, in any language, is fairly simple, another way in which the Latin translation, kept to an easy construction by Howard, helps in the learning of the foreign language.

A great book, one to let out of the box.

Timeless in any language
The Little Prince is timeless in any language and this particular translation managed to keep the beauty of St. Exupery's words and the little prince's charm. ... Read more

Book Description

You will find delightful drawings inside this moving book ... Read more