Discovering the Hidden Wisdom of The Little Prince
“The story behind one of the world’s most popular books . . . Many will enjoy learning about Saint-Exupéry and his life” (Kirkus Reviews).
The Little Prince is revered around the world and one of the bestselling books of all time—two hundred million copies have been sold in 270 languages. Part of its allure is that is seems incredibly wise, yet it is so simple it is read as a work for children.
Yet its meaning is elusive, and its place amid the writings of an adventurer and war hero acclaimed for dramatic bestsellers like Night Flight and Flight to Arras, is mysterious. In this book, Pierre Lassus reexamines the story of The Little Prince against the facts of Saint-Exupéry’s own extraordinary life, from his cherished but fatherless childhood in aristocratic poverty to his career as a pioneering pilot. His plane had broken down in the desert before. He had adopted a fox, when posted at the Spanish fort of Cape Juby, in southern Morocco. He had known the world of business before becoming pilot; he had also known unrequited love. Like his little protagonist’s, his body was never found after his plane disappeared in World War II. He was working on his spiritual autobiography when he died, and there too, Lassus finds resonances and keys to the understated spirituality of his last great book.
“A touching and deeply moving analysis of a book that is cherished by millions.” —Booklist
The Little Prince is revered around the world and one of the bestselling books of all time—two hundred million copies have been sold in 270 languages. Part of its allure is that is seems incredibly wise, yet it is so simple it is read as a work for children.
Yet its meaning is elusive, and its place amid the writings of an adventurer and war hero acclaimed for dramatic bestsellers like Night Flight and Flight to Arras, is mysterious. In this book, Pierre Lassus reexamines the story of The Little Prince against the facts of Saint-Exupéry’s own extraordinary life, from his cherished but fatherless childhood in aristocratic poverty to his career as a pioneering pilot. His plane had broken down in the desert before. He had adopted a fox, when posted at the Spanish fort of Cape Juby, in southern Morocco. He had known the world of business before becoming pilot; he had also known unrequited love. Like his little protagonist’s, his body was never found after his plane disappeared in World War II. He was working on his spiritual autobiography when he died, and there too, Lassus finds resonances and keys to the understated spirituality of his last great book.
“A touching and deeply moving analysis of a book that is cherished by millions.” —Booklist
