Who Is Mark Twain

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, is one of America’s most beloved authors. His works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, have long been treasured pieces of American literature and classics in schools across the country. Twain, born in 1835 in Missouri, started his career as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River before it was shut down by the Civil War. He then became a typesetter, printer, and began to take his first steps as a writer, soon after becoming a full-time author.

Twain’s writing was renowned for its humor, social awareness, and wit, and often questioned government actions, especially with regard to slavery. He was a strong advocate for the rights of Native Americans, going so far as to champion Sitting Bull as a brave and honorable man. He often blended real-life situations and characters with a unique brand of humor, lending to his popularity and making him one of the most celebrated authors of the time.

Twain went on to write more than 30 books, becoming a giant of American literature whose works are still studied today. He was often considered the country’s greatest satirist, and words like "Mark Twain" remain part of the American vernacular. Although his books often criticized government actions, Twain was an enthusiastic traveler and became a friend to some of the most influential presidents of the time, including Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt.

Mark Twain remains one of the most important and recognizable figures in American literature. His works are celebrated worldwide, and are a testament to America’s love of wit and comedic writing.