(1998) MiNr. 3316 - 3320 Zf ** - France - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry "The Little Prince"

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: The Little Prince - Timeless Philosophy in Literature

The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) is one of the most important literary works of the 20th century. The book was written by French writer, aviator and humanist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944) during his exile in the United States. It was first published in 1943, first in English and French, and has since been translated into more than 500 languages and dialects.

The author and his inspirations

Saint-Exupéry was not only a writer, but also a skilled pilot. It was his flying experiences that shaped many of the themes in his work, including The Little Prince. The story contains autobiographical elements - for example, the pilot's crash in the desert, which echoes Saint-Exupéry's own crash landing in the Libyan desert in 1935.

Structure and Symbolism

On the surface, the book is a fairy tale narrative, but it actually contains profound philosophical ideas about friendship, love, responsibility and the meaning of life. On his journey between planets, the little prince, who hails from asteroid B-612, learns about the absurd behavior of adults and searches for true values.

Each character in the book represents a particular human trait or social phenomenon - for example, the king personifies the desire for power, The mariner embodies the need for recognition, and the foxembodies deep friendship and devotion.

Illustration and Artistic Value

Saint-Exupéry not only wrote his book but also illustrated it. The watercolor drawings of The Little Prince are as iconic today as the text itself and contribute greatly to the overall atmosphere of the book.

Reference and relevance today

Despite its short length, The Little Prince is one of the most quoted books in the world. Its message of childhood honesty and the importance of interpersonal relationships is still relevant today. The work is also frequently the subject of literary analysis, theatrical adaptations and film adaptations.

Due to its universal content, it appeals to readers of all generations, from children to adults, and remains one of the best-selling literary works in history.