Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944) was a French aviator and writer best known for his novella The Little Prince (1943), one of the best-selling books ever, along with works like Night Flight (1931, Prix Femina winner) and Wind, Sand and Stars (1939, Grand Prix of the Académie française and U.S. National Book Award). Born in Lyon, France, he pioneered international airmail routes before serving as a reconnaissance pilot in World War II, where he disappeared during a mission over the Mediterranean. His lyrical aviation-inspired writings earned him the Légion d'honneur and posthumous honors, blending philosophy, adventure, and poetry.