Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- Born:
- June 29, 1900, Lyon, France
- Died:
- July 31, 1944 (presumed), Mediterranean Sea
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Poet, Aviator, Journalist
Early Life and Education
- Born into an aristocratic family.
- Attended Jesuit school in Montgré and Saint-Louis boarding school in Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Failed his entrance exam for the École Navale.
- Began studying architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts but did not complete his studies.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served in the French Air Force in 1921.
- Became a pilot for the Aéropostale, flying mail routes in Europe, Africa, and South America.
- Worked as an aviation pioneer, helping to establish new air routes.
- Served in the French Air Force during World War II.
- Disappeared during a reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean Sea in 1944; the wreckage of his plane was discovered in 2000.
Notable Works
- Southern Mail (Courrier Sud, 1929)
- Night Flight (Vol de Nuit, 1931)
- Wind, Sand and Stars (Terre des Hommes, 1939)
- Flight to Arras (Pilote de Guerre, 1942)
- The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince, 1943) - It is through the enduring popularity of The Little Prince that the "petit prince rose saint exupery biography" continues to be of interest.
Legacy and Impact
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's work explores themes of human connection, responsibility, and the importance of inner values. His aviation experiences deeply influenced his writing, lending authenticity and a sense of adventure to his narratives. He remains a celebrated figure in French literature and a symbol of courage and humanism.