Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Date of Birth: June 29, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: July 31, 1944

Biography

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a renowned French writer, poet, and pioneering aviator, best known for his novella “The Little Prince” (“Le Petit Prince”). Born into an aristocratic family in Lyon, France, Saint-Exupéry exhibited a passion for literature and flying from a young age. After completing his education, he joined the French Air Force and became a professional pilot. His experiences as an aviator heavily influenced his literary works, which often explore themes of adventure, human connection, and the essence of life. Saint-Exupéry’s literary career began with the publication of “Southern Mail” (“Courrier Sud”) in 1929, followed by “Night Flight” (“Vol de Nuit”) in 1931, which won the Prix Femina. His most famous work, “The Little Prince,” published in 1943, has become one of the best-selling and most translated books in the world. The book’s whimsical yet profound narrative has captivated readers of all ages, making it a timeless classic. In addition to his literary pursuits, Saint-Exupéry served as a commercial pilot and later during World War II as a reconnaissance pilot. Tragically, he disappeared during a mission over the Mediterranean Sea on July 31, 1944. Despite his untimely death, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s legacy lives on through his enchanting and thought-provoking works.

5 Interesting Facts about Antoine de Saint-Exupery

1. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” has been translated into over 300 languages and dialects.

2. He was awarded the U.S. National Book Award for his work “Wind, Sand and Stars” (“Terre des Hommes”) in 1939.

3. Saint-Exupéry’s plane wreckage was discovered in the Mediterranean Sea near Marseille in 2000, over 50 years after his disappearance.

4. He was not just a writer but also an inventor, holding several patents for aviation-related devices.

5. Saint-Exupéry’s image and quotes are featured on the 50 Franc banknote issued by the Bank of France.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Antoine de Saint-Exupery

1. “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

2. “A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

3. “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”

4. “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

5. “The time for action is now. It’s never too late to do something.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s net worth is difficult to quantify accurately given the time period in which he lived and the fact that much of his fame and the financial success of his works came posthumously. However, “The Little Prince” has generated significant revenue through book sales, adaptations, and merchandising.