Paris Watch Saint-Exupery'S Centenary Brings Prince Back in Focus By KIKI YOSHIDA	フレームで見る  英文をプリントする  脚注をプリントする
100歳を迎える「星の王子さま」 今年はフランスの生んだ小説家・飛行家のサン・テグジュペリの生誕100周年に当たり、ご当地フランスはもとより、世界各国でさまざまな記念イベントが開かれています。世界中で愛された名作「星の王子さま」の人気も、今まで以上に盛り上がっています。

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What essential is invisible to the eye." This is, probably, the most famous line from the book "Le Petit Prince" (The Little Prince). Worldwide, 34 million copies have been sold and it has been translated into 103 languages, even Latin.

"The Little Prince" is easy to read, and yet poetic. It is considered to be a book for children, but the story can touch anyone's heart. By reading this book, I wonder how many people have shed tears when they remember their lost childhood innocence.

On account of the childlike narration, I had the impression that it was written by a child. The illustrations, drawn by the author, give charm to this book and even those who haven't read the story know what the Little Prince looks like. His image is as renowned as his story.

However, it seems that the author isn't known as well as the creation. The author is Antoine de Saint-Exupery. He was one of the greatest French writers of this century, as well as a pioneer of aviation.

His passion for flying was amazing. In 1921 he joined the French Air Force. During military service he learned to fly and became a commercial pilot in 1926. At this time, flying an airplane was dangerous and he was exposed to these dangers many times.

Saint-Exupery also wrote books such as "Courrier Sud (Southern Mail)," "Vol de nuit (Night Flight)," and "Terre des hommes (Wind, Sand, and Stars). Needless to say, The Little Prince is his most famous work. I am also interested in his writings other than the masterpiece, but I haven't had the opportunity to read them. I intend on getting copies of these works soon. In conjunction with the centennial celebration of Saint-Exupery's birth (June 29, 20) to be exact), various events have been held in many countries such as the United States, Spain, Italy and Greece.

In New York, the Morgan Library is exhibiting original manuscripts and drawings. In honor of Saint-Exupery, his hometown of Lyon renamed its international airport the Lyon-Saint-Exupery International Airport. It is the first airport ever named in commemoration of a writer.

In French bookshops, you see piles of related books - his biographies and the like. One is entitled "Memoires de la Rose," which has been ranked on the best seller list since its release this spring. It is said to be based on the hand-written journal of Consuelo de Saint-Exupery, the author's South American wife. Saint-Exupery's family was angry because the book depicted him as a womanizer. In fact, the book was written by Consuelo's lover, Denis de Rougemont. Readers showed diverse responses, but I agree with Mr. Beaupaire, a member of Lyon's Saint-Ex 2000 Commission, who said that Saint-Exupery emerges from the memoirs as being more human.

In May, it was reported that a French diver had discovered the remains of Saint-Exupery's airplane. A photograph in Le Figaro, a French newspaper, had a caption that read: "Saint-Exupery: the end of the mystery." Two years ago, in the same area where the plane was discovered, a bracelet that Saint-Exupery allegedly wore was caught in a fisherman's net. Neither, however, has been authenticated.

On July 13, 1944, while flying a reconnaissance mission for the Allies, Saint-Exupery disappeared over the Mediterranean. The truth of his death has been shrouded in mystery ever since. I still don't know if these findings will put an end to the mystery, as his body has not yet been found.

Several years ago, when I first learned that Saint-Exupery disappeared over the sea, I thought that it was a very fitting way for him to go. Maybe I prefer to leave the mystery as it is. I want to believe that he returned to the universe.

Le Petit Prince goods are popular souvenirs in France. You can find fantastic gifts for your friends. New items come out one after another. Just looking at the innocent expression of the prince mesmerizes me.

Have you seen the 50 franc bill with the portrait of Saint-Ex? Although it is small in value, I love the tiny Little Prince printed on both sides. As you know, the transition to a generalized European Union currency, the euro, started in January 1999. One can still use French coins and bank notes, but only until 2002. It is a pity to let this wonderful bill vanishfrom France. Why not let this design come back on a euro bill?

It is hard to name a book that both adults and children can enjoy, but this is one. Moreover, in this little book, you can grasp the essence of Saint-Exupery's philosophy. The Little Prince represents Saint-Exupery's world.

Shukan ST: Aug. 4, 2000

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