Airman's Odyssey: Three Classic Aviation Tales by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This collection brings together three celebrated aviation narratives from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the legendary pilot and author known as the "Winged Poet." Airman's Odyssey includes Night Flight, Wind, Sand and Stars, and Flight to Arras—three works that capture both the romance and harsh reality of pioneer aviation during the early-to-mid 20th century.
What's Inside This Collection
Each story in this volume reflects Saint-Exupéry's firsthand experiences as a commercial and military pilot. Night Flight explores the dangerous early days of airmail routes across South America. Wind, Sand and Stars recounts his years flying mail routes over the Sahara and the Andes, blending adventure with philosophical reflection. Flight to Arras documents a reconnaissance mission during World War II, offering a gripping account of wartime aviation.
The collection features an introduction by Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and includes translations by Lewis Galantière and Stuart Gilbert that preserve the poetic quality of Saint-Exupéry's original French prose.
About Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Born in Lyon, France in 1900, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry became a pilot at twenty-six and pioneered commercial aviation routes. He flew in the Spanish Civil War and World War II, drawing from these experiences to create some of the most enduring aviation literature ever written. Beyond this collection, he authored The Little Prince, Southern Mail, and other works that blend adventure with profound human insight.
In 1944, while flying a reconnaissance mission for his French air squadron, Saint-Exupéry disappeared over the Mediterranean, cementing his legacy as both an aviator and literary figure.
Perfect For
This paperback edition appeals to aviation enthusiasts, readers of French literature, those interested in World War II history, and anyone who appreciates classic adventure narratives. The book serves as an excellent gift for pilots and aviation professionals, offering a window into the pioneering era when flight was still new and dangerous.
Published by Houghton Mifflin, Airman's Odyssey stands as a testament to the courage and vision of early aviators, told by someone who lived that life firsthand.
