Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. Born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, Twain grew up in Hannibal, a place that would later serve as the backdrop for some of his most famous works. He is best known for his novels 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' (1876), 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' (1885) - the latter often cited as the 'Great American Novel' - and his biting social commentary and satire. Twain's writing is characterized by an innate sense of humor, a keen observation of American life, and an unyielding disdain for hypocrisy and oppression. His mastery of colloquial speech also made him one of the most adored authors of his time. Beyond his novels, Mark Twain's legacy includes a wealth of short stories, essays, and lectures which have been compiled in various anthologies, such as 'The Complete Speeches & Articles of Mark Twain', showcasing the depth and breadth of his intellect and wit. Twain's influence extends beyond literature into the very fabric of American culture and thought, and he remains a towering figure in the panorama of literary giants. Mark Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, but his body of work continues to resonate and inspire generations of readers and writers.
