<P> The Little Prince (French: Le Petit Prince; French pronunciation: ​ (lə pəti pʁɛ̃s)), first published in 1943, is a novella, the most famous work of French aristocrat, writer, poet, and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint - Exupéry . </P> <P> The novella is one of the most - translated books in the world and has been voted the best book of the 20th century in France . Translated into 300 languages and dialects, selling nearly two million copies annually, and with year - to - date sales of over 140 million copies worldwide, it has become one of the best - selling books ever published . </P> <P> After the outbreak of the Second World War, Saint - Exupéry escaped to North America . Despite personal upheavals and failing health, he produced almost half of the writings for which he would be remembered, including a tender tale of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss, in the form of a young prince visiting Earth . An earlier memoir by the author had recounted his aviation experiences in the Sahara Desert, and he is thought to have drawn on those same experiences in The Little Prince . </P> <P> Since its first publication, the novella has been adapted to numerous art forms and media, including audio recordings, radio plays, live stage, film, television, ballet, and opera . </P>

Where did antoine de saint exupery write le petit prince