As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic novel turns 75, DW talks to Swiss essayist Joseph Hanimann about what has made the story relevant to generations of kids and adults.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "The Little Prince" was first released in New York on April 6, 1943. The fairy tale about the likable little blond boy from the asteroid B 612 was instantly praised by critics—and has since gained a cult following.
Joseph Hanimann, Swiss writer and author of Saint-Exupéry's biography told DW there is something mysterious about the little prince who looks at the world through the eyes of a child but articulates his observations like a wise man.
Chapter by chapter, the prince touches on friendship, love, technological progress, consumption and the decay of modern society. These elements, according to Hanimann, make the book more relevant today than ever.
Joseph Hanimann: I was a child back then, and I admit that I did not understand the book. It was quite puzzling to me. However, there is something enigmatic about "The Little Prince," even when I read it today, which, I think, is the reason why the book is so popular.
Although it's a children's book, I always say it's for people from seven to 77 and beyond. It's a book for the child within us.
"The Little Prince" is one of the most read books in the world. In fact, it has been translated into 300 languages and dialects. What's its secret?
Text and pic Ref: http://www.dw.com/en/why-the-little-prince-is-still-one-of-the-worlds-favorite-books/a-43266487