Book Talk: Steven Tom, The Aviator

Join The Snail on the Wall as we delve into WWI history through Steven Tom’s newest biography, The Aviator: A Biography of James R. McConnell, Lafayette Escadrille Fighter Pilot.

The event will be at The Snail on the Wall bookstore. Tickets are $5, with $5 going toward any book purchase at the event.

Get Tickets Here

About The Aviator:
Jame R. McConnell was a fighter pilot in the famous squadron of American volunteers who fought for the French prior to US entry into World War I, the Lafayette Escadrille.
Prior to joining the escadrille, McConnell served in France as an ambulance driver. He documented the front, both on the ground and in the air in Flying for France, a bestselling book published just before his death. A modest character, Jim included very little information about himself in his book. Even while at the front, McConnell remained in regular correspondence with his family, friends, and girlfriends. A large volume of these original letters are preserved today.

About Steven Tom:
Steve Tom grew up in northern Indiana, traveled around the world during a 20+ year Air Force career. When Steve was sixteen his great aunt gave him a copy of “War Letters of Kiffin Yates Rockwell,” a pioneering World War One pilot. This sparked a lifelong interest in that war and led to “First to Fight,” the story of Kiffin Rockwell published by Stackpole Books. Steve is a member of the League of World War One Aviation Historians.