The best choice depends on what “original” means to you: the story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a particular English translation, or a special physical edition. These five listings include standard and deluxe hardcovers, an edition listing Richard Howard as translator, and a MinaLima edition described as having interactive elements. Compare the edition details before buying, especially if you want the French text rather than an English translation.
| Edition | Best for | Listed format or detail |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Howard translation | Readers seeking a named English translation | Hardcover |
| The Little Prince | Readers seeking a straightforward edition | Details not provided |
| Deluxe Edition | Readers considering a hardcover presentation | Hardcover; introduction by Stacy Schiff |
| MinaLima Edition | Readers interested in interactive design | Eight pop-off-the-page elements, full-color illustrations |
| Deluxe Hardbound Edition | Readers specifically seeking a hardbound copy | Hardbound |
Richard Howard Translation Hardcover
This hardcover listing names Antoine de Saint-Exupéry as author and Richard Howard as translator. That translator information makes this a useful option for readers who want to identify the English version they are purchasing rather than choosing an edition with no translator named in the supplied details.
Best for: Readers who want a hardcover and specifically want the Richard Howard translation. It was selected because the listing provides clear author, translator, and format information.
Consider: The listing identifies an English translation, not the original French text. Check the edition information if French-language text is essential to your purchase.
The Little Prince Edition
The supplied listing names this edition simply The Little Prince. Its product details here do not specify the translator, language, or binding, so it is less informative than the editions with those details stated.
Best for: Readers who want to consider a listing under the familiar book title and are willing to verify edition details on the product page. It was selected as a direct match for the requested book.
Consider: The available information does not establish whether this copy contains French or English text, or identify its format. Confirm those points before ordering.
Deluxe Edition With Introduction
This listing describes a deluxe hardcover of The Little Prince. It names Saint-Exupéry as author and Stacy Schiff as the contributor of an introduction. These details distinguish it from the listing that specifically names Richard Howard as translator.
Best for: Readers seeking a hardcover edition identified as deluxe, or readers interested in an edition with an introduction. It was selected for its clearly stated format and additional introductory material.
Consider: The supplied product information does not name a translator or state the text’s language. Check the listing if you need a particular translation or the French original.
MinaLima Interactive Edition
The MinaLima edition is described as including eight “pop-off-the-page” interactive elements and full-color illustrations. Those features make it the most explicitly interactive option among the five listings. The product title does not provide a translator or language in the information supplied here.
Best for: Readers who value illustrated, interactive presentation and want more than a standard text listing. It was selected because its stated design features set it apart from the other editions.
Consider: Choose another edition if you prefer a conventional, non-interactive book or need a clearly identified translation. Confirm the language and format before purchasing.
Deluxe Hardbound Edition
This product is titled The Little Prince (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) and lists Antoine de Saint-Exupéry as author. The supplied details establish that it is hardbound and described as deluxe, but do not provide a translator or other edition-specific contents.
Best for: Buyers looking specifically for a hardbound edition with a deluxe designation. It was selected as another clearly labeled physical-format option.
Consider: “Hardbound” alone does not confirm language, translation, or included illustrations. Check those details if they matter to your choice.
Buying Guide: How to Choose an Original Edition
Do you mean the original French text?
“Original” can refer to Saint-Exupéry’s story or to its original language. A translator credit indicates a translated edition; it does not identify the French text. If you want to read the work in French, look for a listing that explicitly states “French” or “French text.” None of the supplied product details clearly confirms a French-language edition.
Does the English translation matter?
Translation can matter to readers comparing wording or buying for study. The Richard Howard hardcover is the only supplied option that names a translator. The other provided listings do not give enough information here to compare their translations.
Which format and extras should you prioritize?
For a specified hardcover, compare the Richard Howard and Stacy Schiff introduction editions. For interactive presentation, the MinaLima listing explicitly identifies eight pop-off-the-page elements and full-color illustrations. The hardbound deluxe listing identifies its binding, but not additional contents. Verify current product-page details before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Richard Howard edition the original French book?
No. The listing names Richard Howard as translator, so it is an English translation rather than the original French text.
Which listed edition names its translator?
The hardcover listing with the Richard Howard translation is the only supplied product that names a translator.
Which edition has interactive elements?
The MinaLima edition is described as having eight pop-off-the-page interactive elements and full-color illustrations.
Is the language confirmed for every edition?
No. The supplied details do not state the language for every listing. Check the specific product page if language is a deciding factor.
What should I check before ordering?
Confirm the language, translator, binding, and any included features you care about. Titles such as “deluxe” do not by themselves establish all of those details.