Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. He is best known for his novels such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and its sequel, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," which is often called the Great American Novel.
Twain's early life was marked by tragedy and adventure. After the death of his father when he was just 11 years old, Twain left school to become a printer’s apprentice. Over the next few years, he worked as a typesetter and contributed articles to newspapers. His journey took him across America, where he learned about people from all walks of life, experiences that would later enrich his writing.
In 1857, Twain became a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, a job that inspired much of his early work. The river became a symbol of freedom and exploration in many of his stories. When the Civil War broke out, Twain briefly joined a Confederate militia but soon moved westward to Nevada and California, seeking new opportunities.
During this period, Twain began using the pen name "Mark Twain," derived from a riverboat term meaning two fathoms deep (safe for navigation). His career as a writer took off with short stories and essays published in various magazines. One of his earliest successes was "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," published in 1865.
Over the following decades, Twain wrote numerous books and essays, becoming one of America's most beloved authors. His works are celebrated not only for their wit and humor but also for their keen social commentary. Twain tackled issues like slavery, racism, and hypocrisy in society long before they were widely discussed topics.
Despite his literary achievements, Twain faced personal challenges throughout his life. He lost three of his four children and his beloved wife, Olivia Langdon Clemens, to illness. These losses deeply affected him, influencing both his mood and his writing during his later years.
Mark Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, leaving behind a legacy of timeless literature that continues to resonate with readers worldwide. His ability to blend humor with profound insights into human nature has ensured his place among the greatest writers in American history.
