The Little Prince

I Adore the Book, Don't Like This Translation

The Little Prince is a wonderful classic about life, love, making friends, falling in love, finding what is important in life, and saying goodbye. Saint-Exupery's tale is absolutely charming and full of wisdom.

I bought this as a gift for a friend who was losing a dear pet. I still gave it to her, but I was disappointed by this translation.

Unfortunately, the translation by Richard Howard lacks some of the heart of the tale, especially in many key places. For example, the phrase "L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." is translated "Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." instead of "What is essential is invisible to the eyes." or "The essential part is invisible to the eyes."

I much prefer the translation by Katherine Woods.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

For Children of all ages

I read this book once a year and give it as a gift even more often. It remindes me of what is really important in life. Life's lessons are there to take when you are ready. You must look for boa constrictors!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

In case you have forgotten what is really important.

My first encounter with "The Little Prince" was having it read to me in kindergarten, over half a century ago. I received my first copy over twenty years later, from "the second great love of my life", to thank me for opening her heart.

The tenets set forward by Antoine de Saint-Exupery stayed with me and helped strengthen and nurture relationships over the decades. I reminded my friend of her gift and its lessons several years ago as she was dying of cancer.

Then, just a few weeks ago, a new friend found herself in the same position: A former lover, who remained a close friend for decades, was dying of cancer. So I sent her a copy of this book to help bring her some clarity.

Perhaps it is true that everything you ever really needed to know you learned in kindergarten, which is why this so-called "children's book" is worth revisiting at any point in your life.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Hurray to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry!

Another French classic I like along with the Count of Monte Cristo. The Little Prince is for all ages and a great book to read for children. It shows a lot of lesson and that is why I recommend this to all people who is fond of reading French Literature.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

THTE LITTLE PRINCE

My 11year old and I read this book and we found very interesting and adventures. He even wrote a project on this book

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Book That's Refreshing to Read

This book is great for young people and adults in a fantasy story of a young boy on an incredible journey. But along the way it is constantly looking at beliefs and lessons. It is written in a very entertaining way and puts different things to think about right in front of the reader. Just a terrific way to spend and afternoon.

Liz Cosline - Author/Life Ownership Coach
SongofOneUnexpectedLife-S.O.U.L.
http://songofoneunexpectedlife.info

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My Favourite Book Forever and Ever...

I really really really love this book. I would recommend it to anyone, of any age, from any background. I make a point of reading it at least once a year, plus again any time I have a major life event. This is written for the child in all of us, but adults--although not grown-ups (you'll know the difference after reading the book)--will appreciate it more and more through life. It is a gentle reminder of proper priorities--what's really important in life. It is so simple and lovely but also deeply philosophical. I prefer the translation by Kathrine Wood, but it's out of print. This newer translation is pretty good though. Read it. I know you'll love it. Oh, and point of interest: the author was a pilot. I like thinking he's the pilot in the story and the little prince is real.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My Favourite Book Forever and Ever...

I really really really love this book. I would recommend it to anyone, of any age, from any background. I make a point of reading it at least once a year, plus again any time I have a major life event. This is written for the child in all of us, but adults--although not grown-ups (you'll know the difference after reading the book)--will appreciate it more and more through life. It is a gentle reminder of proper priorities--what's really important in life. It is so simple and lovely but also deeply philosophical. I prefer the translation by Kathrine Wood, but it's out of print. This newer translation is pretty good though. Read it. I know you'll love it. Oh, and point of interest: the author was a pilot. I like thinking he's the pilot in the story and the little prince is real.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

the 'little' prince

As others must have said before me, this may be a little book, but the message is huge! I cannot believe that it took me this long to read this lovely tale. I was moved and read it twice in one night. Fantastic for all ages!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Most Remembered Story

A friend told me about this book over 25 years ago. She had a copy for me to read and she told me 'you must read this book - it tells about what is important in life.' I was sure she was mistaken - it looked just like any children's book. I read it and was taught so much about life that I have never forgotten. It is one of my most-remembered and most-cherished stories.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Purely Amazing

I read this book first in its original French version and was lost in the beauty of it all. Then, reading the English translation, I was even more appreciative of the story. From every facet, the language, the illustration, the characters, I was amazed. This is a tremendous book to read because it subliminally enlightens the mind.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Is the best bokk i've ever read

The little prince is the best book i've ever read. Is even better than other classics as 'El Quijote de la Manch', 'romeo & Juliet', etc. I consider it good because of its simplicity and message that it gives you. I recomend it to childs, teens and adults

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

THIS IS THE BAD VERSION - DON'T BUY IT

'The Little Prince' is the greatest piece of literature ever written, both in the original French version and the flawless English translation by Katherine Woods. This 'new' translation is just pitiful. It contorts some of the most touching moments in the novel and defiles Exupery's exquisite poignancy. I'm only giving it three stars because the subject material is basically intact. Anyway, don't buy this new version, buy the one by Katharine Woods! You'll love it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Little Prince

My all time favorite book. I absolutely LOVE it!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Unforgettable and Touching

If I was stranded on a desert island, this might be the only book I must take with me. It tells you all about what is truly important in life by the little prince's relationships with his aquaintances. The fox who is tamed and 'his rose' tell all about what is important in life. The best quote ever: 'It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.' I try to read it at least once a year, often out loud to a child. It is truly a life lesson for adults however, which often can move one to tears. Beautiful in its simplicity, scathing in its pithy observations on human foibles, truly one of the greatest books ever written. While I have only read reviews of the newest translation and color corrections of the illustrations, I can't see where it needed improvement. The somewhat unusual language gave it a simplicity that I do not feel needed to be corrected in translation. I like the old and familiar edition so well that I probably will admire the new one in the store and cherish my older addition.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Most beautiful story ever told

Don't be fooled into thinking that 'The Little Prince' is just a children's story! I am 22 years old, and I first read Antoine de Saint-Exupery's beautiful story when I was about 17, and have loved it ever since! But don't take MY word for it, get yourself a copy of 'The Little Prince' and I guarantee you too will fall in love with it! Just to prove how much I love this book - I own three copies of it, plus a French copy, I have Little Prince wallpaper on my computer, and a gorgeous Little Prince calligraphy pen!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Dreams tell us the future...

This book was incredible. The insightful way the author told us about how people really are was easy enough for a child to understand. Yet, I believe that this is a book for teens and up for the meaning behind the story is one that a child can not fully comprehend. However, the pictures of the boa are ones that everyone can admire :)

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Everyone alive should read this book at least once.

I have purchased and given at least 50 copies of this book to friends and family over the years. Of the hundreds of books in my personal library, I have not read one that has touched me so deeply as 'The Little Prince'.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Misleading description. - DON"T BUY.

When you order the 60th Anniversary Edition (as described on this page) with the satin ribbon bookmark, cloth slipcase, gold stamp etc., all yu get is a regular hardcover version. Both in store, and online. Yes, I ordered twice. Both times BN made no explanation for the discrepancy. Customer Service didn't have a solution. I'm very disappointed. Was supposed to be birthday gift, now not only will not have this, I will also be late with my present.
Very upset.

A great book for all ages.

I first read this book when I was in 5 th grade, and quite honestly, I didn't really understand it. I thought it was a nice book about a boy with pretty drawings. I have read it again several times after that, and I see it in a whole new light. It has been five years since I first read it, and it means something different every time. It is a wonderful book about life, and I think every one should read it, no matter how old you are. A true classic.