SUMMARY

Explore “The Little Prince: Taking Flight” at @themorganlibrary, ?? an exhibit that tells the story behind the French literary classic and its pilot author, Saint-Exupéry. (From now until February 5th) The exhibition will tell this beloved story through Saint-Exupéry’s remarkable watercolors, drawings, and manuscript drafts, revealing the creative process that brought this work to readers the world over.
Now a global phenomenon, “Le Petit Prince” has Franco-American roots that run through New York City. Saint-Exupéry began writing The Little Prince ( 1943) during World War II, after Germany’s invasion of France had forced him to give up aviation and flee to New York. In addition to his torturous thoughts of the war in Europe, having to leave his homeland and no longer being able to fly planes affected Saint-Exupéry deeply. The novel’s nostalgia for childhood indicates both Saint-Exupéry’s homesick desire to return to France and his hope of returning to a time of peace. This wartime stress undoubtedly contributed to the sense of urgency in Saint-Exupéry’s message of love and compassion.
In 2023, we celebrate the Year of the Little Prince and honor the beloved tale that has bewitched our imaginations for the past 80 years.