High Adventure: A Narrative of Air Fighting in France

by James Norman Hall

"High Adventure: A Narrative of Air Fighting in France" by James Norman Hall is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the experiences of American pilots during World War I, specifically those training with the French aviation service. The book delves into themes of adventure, camaraderie, and the stark realities of war as it unfolds in the skies over France. The opening of the book introduces the author’s initial meeting with Drew, a fellow American, during their shared journey to enlist in the Escadrille Américaine. Both men are depicted as novices, eager to embrace the thrill and romance of flight despite their lack of experience and knowledge. Over dinner in a Parisian restaurant, they bond over their ambitions and fears, which sets the tone for their subsequent training at the École d'Aviation Militaire. As they embark on their aviation careers, readers gain insight into the preparations, challenges, and camaraderie of the Franco-American Corps as they prepare to face the perils of aerial combat.