Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Profession: Writer and Pilot

Biography: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is best known for his novella "The Little Prince" (1943) and for his lyrical aviation writings, including "Wind, Sand and Stars" (1939) and "Night Flight" (1931).

Saint-Exupéry became a pilot in the French Air Force after a varied early career. He flew postal routes in Europe, Africa, and South America in the early days of aviation when flying was a dangerous adventure.

In 1935, Saint-Exupéry crashed in the Libyan desert and survived for four days with little food and water before being rescued, an experience which influenced his later writing. He flew reconnaissance missions for France during World War II until France signed an armistice with Germany in 1940.

Saint-Exupéry then traveled to the United States where he wrote several more books, including "Flight to Arras" (1942) and "Letter to a Hostage" (1943). His most famous work, the poetic fable "The Little Prince," was also written and published during his time in the United States.

Despite being older than most pilots, Saint-Exupéry returned to flying with the Free French Air Force in North Africa in 1943. He disappeared during a mission over the Mediterranean in July of 1944 and is believed to have died then. The wreckage of his plane was found off the coast of Marseille in 2000.

Born: June 29, 1900
Birthplace: Lyon, France

Generation: Lost Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: July 31, 1944 (aged 44)
Cause of Death: Plane crash