In this autobiographical story, Saint-Ex tells of the already lost battle he found himself in during 1940 in desperate, war-torn France. He and his crew get sent on a hopeless reconnoissance flight mission over the burning City of Arras. Faced with almost certain imminent death, he is brought to the point of where he can't help but ask himself: "Where's the sense in all this? What am I doing? Why am I doing this?" And as we live through the harrowing experience with him, he lets us see into his heart and mind as he tries to find some answers.. What he comes up with is defined by solid thought resulting from acute observation (Metaphysics my foot!) of man and mankind, certainly more poignant now than ever and therefore surely timeless... And since it's Saint-Ex who relates all this in his unique humble-but-not-so-humble and profoundly human style, this is not only an exciting read about a dangerous time, but it is infused with charme and humour like some superb wine with its unique flavour and aroma. A great little book by a great man.

This is an intellectually emotional musing of a pilot while on a reconnaisance mission in the midst of the hopeless Battle of France in the summer of 1940. Do not expect graphic descriptions of air combat, for only one eventful, though dangerous mission was told, interspersed by Saint-Ex's recollection of the human virtues and the war itself.

In this work he delves with clear logic about life and the meaning of life, of loyalty, love of country, the meaning and feeling of facing mortal danger while looking through his life in one slow kaleidoscope.

It is easy to see the prevailing athmosphere of defeatism that have enveloped France, and his writing was no exception, though justified. France cannot go it alone, with its 40 million against the 80 million (population) across the Rhine, and how the way of life that predominate in his country differs from its more industrial neighbor.

One of the great modern French stylist, Saint-Ex must have given headaches to the translator, for he wrote in a lyric poetic fashion difficult to translate (this is the Lewis Galantiere translation). One must pose occasionally to savor his prose. Here in colorful intensity he lays down in vivid detail his humanity and shows what made his writing different from other aviation literature. His popularity is such that people sometimes stresses the "Saint" in his name in order to prop him higher than the rank of hero worship. But his life does not fit that image. A man of many talents---cardplayer, mathematician, caricaturist, chess player, poet, writer and of course, aviator---he was however a baffling personality who defied straight description: A gifted mathematician, he rejected that intellectual circle; a man who likes action, he hated to exercise; one of the great writers of France, he did not wish to be a professional writer; a skeptic, he wanted to believe in God.

There are critics who described his writing as sentimental hogwash, the harbinger of hollow ideas, the man who can "replace the human brain with an aeroplane engine", et al..but his writings displayed (in this reviewer's modest opinion) a noble image, and for good or bad, he must be judged in the end by what he wrote. The sale of his books speaks for itself.

This is a highly recommended reading experience.

One of the best books I've ever read or reread(3 times). Capsulates, no frills (no sentimentalism, or excessive religious gushings), what makes human beings so incredible, especially in face of imminent death -- their humor, their compassion. Also, a well to be remembered reminder to us Americans of the hundreds of thousand Europeans who lost their lives BEFORE we entered World War II. A very forgiving attitude to our procrastination. A must book to be read -- right up there with the likes of Camus

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.

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.

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!

St. Exupery never finished Citadelle. He died before ever giving it shape, and it was from his notes, randomly left behind, that Citadelle was born, by the hand of someone who knew him well.

Citadelle would have never been finish, even if St. Exupery had not disapeared during that flight. He could not. His quest was without end. Citadelle is a quest for life, a quest for Man's identity, his relationship with himself, others and God, and his position in society -- and Exupery gives no answers; when God is addressed by man he answers not, "If He would answer, He wouldn't be God."

Citadelle is also a quest for the minute details that make life worth living: the way man relates to man, communicates with other man, and relates with himself when relating to other men. The gardener, upon receiving a letter from his friend in a distante land, also a gardener, agonized for a long time before he could finally jot down a reply, "Today, I too trimmed my rose bushes." No other words could have been so cristal clear in revealing his heart and his love for his friend. It is because the old woman goes blind, doing needle work, embroidering the flag, that the flag has meaning and value; it is because of separation that love is worth hurting for...

St. Exupery reveals a spirit that is never appeased, in Citadelle, that of the Lord of the Citadelle, -- his own! -- , as he projects himself in each character, and becomes either his mentor, his conscience, his friend, his oponent or his shadow...

Citadelle is one of the most poignant records of a man's quest for meaning in life. Exupery reveals himself as he questions his beliefs, his catholic upbringing, and struggles to answer that he could never find answers for... "If He would answer, He wouldn't be God." Did he believe in God? You will not find that answer in Citadelle, but as you walk along with the Lord of the Citadelle, and ask the questions he asks, you will come to realize St. Exupery certainly had an unshakable faith in Man.

I could never find an English translation of this book, so this review is based on the French original edition. If you read French, Citadelle is one book who should not pass by!

It was in 1979-80 preparing my military service in the French Alpine Troups - Ecole Militaire de Haute Montagne. I found the best deap thinking about how to be an excellent soldier and a respected chief.

I, like many, was first introduced to St. Exupery by "The Little Prince"; however, I went on to explore his other books (Wind, Sand and Stars) and fell in love with his poetic style of writing, his passion for flight, and his vivid descriptions of the Sahara. His life ended all too soon, insisting on flying in the War, even when he was turned down several times for his age. He died flying at the age of 44. His writing lives on, and if you read just the first page, you will know that this is one of the most talented and excellent writers you will ever read.

I was exposed to St. Ex in the ninth grade by my French teacher. He had us read the "Little Prince". My dream was to be a pilot and I could relate to the story. Going through college I read other books by St. Ex. and have been a fan ever since. I am a pilot and his writing touch the heart and soul of the reader. Both from physical experience and from spiritual wanderings.

One could call this the essential guide to St. Ex. The selections cover his early years in the airmail service and through his patriotic devotion to duty and his countryman and the fall of France. These are real life adventures with true heros doing what they must for honor and duty serving a new need of mankind delivering the mail, and flying against the odds.

Read it, it's about much more than the early adventure of flying the mail. It's sets one to contemplating as well.

This is a book about inocence and friendship, I readed the first time when I was 7 years old and I didn't like it as much as I did when I was 18. It's a book for all ages, every time you read it you find something new. I strongly recomend that you read this book, you'll find hope and you'll cry and laugh too.

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!

generalmente no me gustan esta clase de libros,pero en todo debe de haber excepciones y esta es una de ellas. el libro me encanto, no se si sentiria lo mismo si lo leo ahora, pero cuando lo lei hace unos años, me gusto mucho la forma en que el escritor ponia un pequeno nino a aleccionar al mundo. el libro ha sido objeto de criticas en los circulos literarios debido a su tipico caracter semi didactico, semi moralista, pero a mi me parecio interesante y muy buena lectura a pesar de que en verdad es moralista. muy buena lectura.

LUIS MENDEZ luismendez@codetel.net.do

...por intentar ser un adulto a la hora de escribir esta cuartilla, pero es que sino los adultos no me van a entender...acuérdense los adultos piensan de una manera muy distinta, es por ello que debemos de ser muy pacientes... Sin lugar a dudas uno de las grandes obras literaria jamás escrita; egresado de la universidad central de venezuela y fanatico de miguel angel bueza, así como de gabo y benedetti, amante de las locuras de martin romana y eterno enamorado de octavia de cadiz, inspirado por pablo neruda y tocado por octavio paz, te aseguro mi querido amigo adulto que el principito te va a cautivar ... te lo tienes que leer varias veces y en distintas epocas; en la medida en que vayas madurando encontrarás este librito mucho más interesante...especialmente el asteroide 325 escucha bien lo que el rey te va a decir...si tan solo nuestros políticos se leyeran este libro les aseguro que la corrupción así como las injusticias sociales se vieran disminuidas porque como dice el rey "la autoridad resta en la razón"

Le Petit Prince, published more than half a century ago, endures into the twenty-first century as a beautifully written children's novel and a powerful philosophic work that speaks volumes about love and friendship. Written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery during World War II, Le Petit Prince was published as a children's story, but soon became recognized the world over as a profound introspective statement. By using the novel as a type of allegory, Saint-Exupery was able to write a commentary on life as he had lived it. The novel takes readers on a fantastic journey through the universe that, by the end, will have even the most hardened soul in tears.
The novel, although simply written, is not simple in style or in taste. Saint-Exupery uses powerful metaphors, similes, and analogies to address the very abstract themes of love and friendship. By personifying many of the personality traits that make up a true friend, Saint-Exupery makes these complicated issues so simple that even a child could understand. This is, of course, what Saint-Exupery had in mind all along.
I loved Le Petit Prince and have read many of my favorites parts to members of my family and just about anyone else who will listen. That is the magic of this novel. Beautifully written and illustrated, it will have you coming back to relive the adventures of the little prince time and time again. Through the eyes of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, this often-troubling world becomes a universe filled with the possibilities of true friendship and lasting love.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's 'Le petit prince' is one of the characters that I hold very dear. The wistful, dreamy conservations and eventual journey of the little prince and his friend the gentle pilot reflect upon human foibles and idiocy, and also provide a mirror to the reader. Thus presenting a timeless philosophy in a very accessible and direct way. With the little prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry created one of the most enchanting characters, ever to make its appearance in fiction. The innocence, sweetness and kindness of the little prince will appeal to many readers. The reader shouldn't be fazed by the age indication, this book is for all ages. Lovely and simple illustrations accompany this story. If you know French, then read this original edition and savour it in all its glory. This beautiful, wistful story which is as well a great tale of friendship and love between the little prince and the pilot.

A treasure on my bookshelves!

'Le petit prince' is a fabulous book that talks about a little prince that loves his planet and takes the advice of his flower which seems to him the most beautiful rose. But a fox that he meets teaches him the most important secret of all life: and that is that you see the real things with your heart and not your eyes, that your eyes only hide the true beauty of being alive. Just by looking at a person you can't tell who they are. You have to become friends and look with your heart to see what is really in front of you and what you are missing. The world would be a better place if people looked with their hearts and not their eyes; and by reading the little prince's story, 'Le petit prince' will you come to know this. It is a touching story that taught me a lot about this world. Read it.

This is a children's book, no matter what people say. This doesn't mean grown-ups can't read it, but only that those who have a child's heart or at least a little something left from their childhood would be able to understand it -and love it-.

I was 5 years old when first I read it. Since then, I have always loved this wonderful book, and I read it every now and then -I'm 21-. In my opinion this book is about love. Love like that from children, that is so simple that is complex to understand it.

Everybody may have his/her own understanding of The Little Prince,- or "El Principito" as I know it because I read it in spanish first, and the english, and then french, that I recommend if you speak any other language-. Some people think the 'rose' meant 'childhood', some others may think it means 'the beloved one',etc. That's why this little book is so fantastic. We don't have to agree on what does it mean because that's grown-up's business.

Every single page is full with a simple life philosophy that is unlikely to read it and not getting any benefit from it (well, only if you are too grown-up to understand it, like those who said that it is impossible to travel with a flock of birds in the space, or that is dangerous to let your children read suicide-related stories... we have to understand them and be patient with them... they are grown-ups. You'd better talk them about ties, business, or golf. They will be thrilled to find such a reasonable person like you.)

My favorite part of the book? I don't have any. All the book is an art-work.

This slender charmer has long been a favorite--since I read it high school French class. The golden-haired boy--an interstellar traveler--touches a responsive chord in many hearts: the fox who wants to be tamed by him; the stranded pilot who sketches for him when he'd rather be repairing his plane; even the small snake who offers to speed his journey home. Adults and young readers alike will treasure this gentle tale.

Critics--those pompous and serious adults--debate St. Exupery's intention in this tiny masterpiece. Is it a fairy tale or an astral fable? Is it a vehicle to offer subtle criticism of Society's foibles, cleverly disguised as a children's story? Is the author trying to Entertain or to Instruct--or just gently offer us a nostalgia trip? Sometimes we jaded adults yearn for the simplicity and faith of childhood. Perhaps we need to see the world with our hearts, as the Essential is often invisible or blurred to our eyes. For when we can bring ourselves to sacrifice "matters of consequence", only then will we recognize our moral and social responsibilities in life. St. Exupery's delightful sketches enhance our literary pleasure. Perhaps you will regard the stars (and roses) differently after reading this.

A pilot who finds himself stranded in a desert with a broken airplane meets an extraordinary little person. The Little Prince who is visiting Earth, just one planet in a long succession of planets already visited, tells the pilot of his journey.

Earth seems just as strange and alien as the other places he has visited. Places inhabited by archetypal manifestations of adulthood. The absurdities of which are crystal clear when seen through the eyes of a child.

The Little Prince's journey through the cosmos - brings us face to face with "things of consequence" - allowing us to see, maybe for the first time, what we really lose in growing old and rigid, instead of growing up.

This book is written at a 9-12 year level - but its depths speak to adults as well. A charming story in itself, can be read, and reread, its layers unfold, revealing deeper and deeper insight.

The artwork in the book is done by the author, too.

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!

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

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.