Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, stands as a quintessential American author, humorist, and social critic, known for his vivid storytelling and sharp wit. Born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, Twain grew up along the Mississippi River, a setting that would later inform many of his works. Before emerging as a writer, he worked as a printer's apprentice, riverboat pilot, and miner. Twain's career in writing commenced with travel sketches, humorous tales, and eventually evolved into novels and social commentaries that have since become staples of American literature. His masterpiece, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer's Comrade),' published in 1884, is often deemed the 'Great American Novel' and praised for its pioneering use of vernacular English. Twain's literary style combines rich humor, sturdy narrative, and social criticism, and he often poked satire at the pretenses of society and was known for exploring themes of identity, ethics, and the hypocrisy of 'civilized' society. His works remain influential, with 'Huckleberry Finn' in particular widely studied for its complex discussion of race and its unflinching examination of the moral consciousness of its young protagonist. Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped American literature.
