Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

   Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944), was the chief influence in the creation of the literature of aviation. He was a flier himself, and died an aviator's death, disappearing while on an Allied reconnaissance mission during World War II. Saint-Exupéry was an air pioneer, opening routes over Africa, the South Atlantic, and the Andes Mountains.
   During the campaign of France from May to June, 1940, Saint-Exupéry led a squadron in an unequal fight against superior German air forces. He wrote Night Flight (1932), Wind, Sand and Stars (1939), and The Little Prince (1943).
   Saint-Exupéry often used his books to discuss his philosophy of life. He was born in Lyon, France.